While the pandemic keeps hitting hard all markets in the world, the Peruvian national IPO, INDECOPI, reported so many news in the month of February 2021 that reassures that ‘the show must go on’.
There were plenty of good news related to patents. For instance,
the research and development done by national universities amounted to 213
patent applications last year. There were in total 37 universities that applied
for patents, 10 of which applied for patents for the first time.
INDECOPI reports that this is the result of the work carried
out by its department the Directorate of Inventions and New Technologies (DIN).
The department leads, creates and consolidates a culture of patents within
Peruvian universities. There are other programs running that provides support
on innovation such as “the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support
Centers (CATI Network); the 'Virtual Training and Accompaniment Course for the
Identification and Registration of Intellectual Property in Universities',
carried out in collaboration with the Program PMESUT of the Ministry of
Education, the National Contest of Inventions, the Patent Program (Modality
Academic and Research Centers); the Free Talks and Training Program providing
direct advice for the preparation of Regulations and Intellectual Property
Strategies; among others.” (more info here)
‘Women in Sciences’: the INDECOPI reports that the
participation of Peruvian woman in inventions and research is growing. In 2020,
36% of patent applications were filed by, or where participation came from,
female inventors. In 2020, the INDECOPI run a special competition 'Patents
against COVID-19' and received 313 projects, with 45 winners of which 21 have already obtained
their patents -- 28% belong to women. (more info here).
The cherry on the top comes from 28 Peruvian women who triumphed in the 13th
International Women's Invention Exposition in South Korean – KIWI 2020. The 28
inventors presented 18 inventions related to health, the environment and
biodiversity, construction and architecture, as well as creations related to
the use of waste from agribusiness. They proudly received 5 gold, 8 silver, and 4
bronze medals as well as two special awards. (more info here).
To hear from them and their inventions, check their videos here
(Spanish) – I learned about the e-nose that is used to assess ‘Pisco’ (spirit drink),
which is a denomination of origin in Peru.
The INDECOPI together with the National Council of Science,
Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC)
have for the second year, launched a ‘patent fund’ to finance its registration
at international level -- up to 25,000 Peruvian soles (approx. 5,686 euros). Applications
are accepted till April 14, 2021. To learn more about this fund click here
and here.
Finally, Peru has a virtual ‘window shopping’ for inventions
known as the 'Peruvian Patent Marketplace' - here. There are 237
national creations “seeking to get local and international business
partners and business opportunities to enter the market”. There are so many
that I felt truly like ‘shopping’. I was curious to learn about the ‘portable
disinfection device for disposable facial mask’. The reality is that many countries do have a
shortage of new disposable masks, be
it for the health personnel or society in general. The inventions is an
alternative for reusing disposable mask by means of UV Radiation, and resulting
in a mask that can be used up to 10 times more. I would like to extend the aim
to all disposable mask to have this process reducing the quantity of mask
ending in the bin - sadly sometimes in the roads, pavements, rivers and oceans.
