From 10 to 26 July, 2012 The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Industrial Property and Economics of the Faculty of Law of the University of Buenos Aires, co-sponsored by the South Centre, organized an Intensive Course on Intellectual Property and International Trade for policy makers from the Latin American region.

Objectives of the course:

The aim of the Intensive Course on Intellectual Property and International Trade was to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to professionals, business persons as well as administrative and judicial staff regarding the different areas of Intellectual Property (IP). The training offered should bring about a deep understanding of the Argentinian IP Law such as the protection of IP in Mercosur countries and international conventions, particularly regarding the new IP regime starting from the creation of the World Trade Organization and the obligations created by the TRIPS agreement. The 2012 edition of the course examined also existing regulations starting from the free trade agreements agreed to in the course of the last decade.

In order to complete the update and training of participants the course offered a general overview of the multilateral trade system, particularly in terms of the controversies resolved in intellectual property.

Contents of the course:

• Precedents and functions of IP
• Patents
• Workshop on writing and analysis of patents
• Workshop on permanent and preliminary injunctions
• Law of Trademarks
• Geographical Indications
• Workshop on trademark jurisprudence
• Unfair competition and trade secrets
• IP and public health
• IP and Free Trade Agreements
• IP and the multilateral trade system: disciplines and conflict resolution.
• Finally the contribution from the South Centre, included and emphasized the impact of IP systems on the health sector and in access to medicines in particular. The importance of applying intellectual property laws and policies in a manner consistent with public health requirements and patients’ rights; improving knowledge of international and national laws and policies related to intellectual property (including patents, trademarks and data protection); and strengthening national capacity to design and implement intellectual property policies consistent with public health needs and patients’ rights.

Head Lecturers: Dr. Carlos M. Correa and Dr. Salvador D. Bergel

Coordinator: Dr. Sandra C. Negro

Lecturers: Salvador Bergel, Roxana Blasetti, Guillermo Cabanellas, Carlos Correa, Mariano Genovesi, Marina Mariani de Vidal, Sandra Negro, Rafael Pérez Miranda, Susana Piatti, Ruben Romano, Alberto Usieto Blanco, German Velasquez, Guillermo Vidaurreta.