5th meeting to improve management in National Industrial Property Offices

From 24 to 27 February 2014, the 5th Meeting on improving management in National Industrial Property Offices was held in Cartagena de Indias (Colombia). The meeting was organised and promoted by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) together with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM).

The meeting formed part of the Ibero-American Programme for Specialised Technical Training, which aims to strengthen the capacity of human resources in public entities and private institutions in Spain and Latin America while improving the provision of public services to citizens. Present at the meeting were representatives from all the Industrial Property Offices in the Ibero-American countries as well as experts on Industrial Property.

New initiatives and experiences to reach out to SMEs were presented by each of the countries, thus promoting the sharing and adoption of new ideas and measures.

Main conclusions
It was concluded that SMEs must be properly informed of the benefits of strategically using Industrial Property within the innovation chain, and that SMEs must receive full and special treatment with regard to Industrial Property, that is, guidance on how to use it strategically in their business plans as well as advice on financing, evaluating and internationalising their intangible assets as part of their innovation processes. This is because SMEs are the driving force for our countries’ economies and wealth.

It was also stressed that Strategic Planning and Quality Management in organisations are essential for cross-cutting activities in different Departments and Areas. The aim should be to align the activity of each office in order to reduce asymmetries in the region.

The main value of such meetings is that they provide a scenario for creating synergies, sharing experiences and hearing about the development of each of the Offices. These aspects provide a prospective view that helps achieve stronger institutions, develops skills and provides guidance in the field of cooperation.

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To consult the program, click here.