Peru: strategic support to inventions and sciences

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 13^thInternational 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 hereand 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.