EC publishes new report “Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries”: Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador remain as priority 3 countries

The European Commission (EC) recently published its biennial Report on the “Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in third countries” which identifies so-called ‘priority countries’ in which the state of IPR protection and enforcement is a source of major concern. To improve IPR protection and enforcement worldwide, the Commission will concentrate its efforts and resources on the particular areas of concern in these countries.

The report finds that some of the Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador remain as priority 3 countries for the European Union (EU).

In Argentina, where IPR-intensive industries account for 41.9% of GDP and 24.5% of employment, no notable development in the field of IPR has been observed over the reporting period whereas many positive developments have been noted in Brazil. The Brazilian IPR Office (INPI) published a study on the economic impact of Brazilian IP-intensive industries which will contribute to raising awareness about the importance of the protection and enforcement of IPR for the country. Finally, since the last reporting period, there has been only limited progress in Ecuador. On behalf of the Ecuadorian government, the National Intellectual Property Office (SENADI) established agreements with indigenous organisations to enhance the knowledge and use of plant variety rights by members of those organisations.