The protection of intellectual property is decisive for Switzerland and its economy. The Intellectual Property Expert Group (EGIP) plays a decisive role in representing the interests of the economy in this area. For years, he has been committed to strengthening and developing the protection of intellectual property in Switzerland. The new president Myrtha Hurtado Rivas explains how she intends not only to guarantee creative and technical innovations but also to ensure their commercial valorization.
Intellectual property protection is gaining importance for the economy – what do you think are the main challenges?
The field of intellectual property contains multiple challenges, reinforced today by technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Switzerland has a proven legal framework to ensure the protection of intellectual property. However, it is necessary to constantly check whether this framework needs to be adapted to take into account new realities. The rapid development of AI and blockchain creates considerable challenges with regard to existing laws, particularly with regard to copyright and patent law. It is crucial that Switzerland not only follows international trends, but also preserves its specific interests.
What is the role of intellectual property in Switzerland’s capacity for innovation?
Intellectual property plays a decisive role in Switzerland’s capacity for innovation. It is no coincidence that our country is regularly among the world leaders in innovation. Just look at the “Global Innovation Index 2024” from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). A strong intellectual property rights (IPR) system protects significant investments in research and development and therefore innovations. Such a system creates incentives for investments and allows Switzerland to remain attractive to national and foreign businesses and investors. Furthermore, by allowing start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises to protect their innovations and technologies, the intellectual property rights system supports them. This system allows close cooperation between companies, universities and research institutes, which encourages and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and licensing of technologies. A strong IPR system is therefore clearly a pillar of Switzerland’s innovation capacity.
What are your goals as the new president of EGIP?
I have set myself two main objectives, in a desire to continue and develop the important action of our group. With the members of the EGIP, I intend to monitor the IPR system so that it continues to encourage investment in research and development. This goes hand in hand with defending the interests of the economy in debates in political and legal circles, with the aim of strengthening an environment favorable to innovation and growth. We will seek to influence international developments in the field of intellectual property and to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a pioneer in this area. These collective efforts will, I hope, make EGIP an influential platform for the protection and promotion of intellectual property in Switzerland.
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