AIPPI Opening Ceremony gets the party started

Elisabeth Kasznar Fekete, President of AIPPI Brazil, gave a welcoming speech in front of a packed room. She said that Brazil is a very big country with business opportunities in every area. “Brazil will decide its own challenges,” she said. “It is a land of opportunities.”

Kasznar Fekete noted the increasing percentage of young people and influence of women in the country. She added that nearly 86 million have access to the internet. “We are in transition to a new business model,” she said. “That has marketing and branding ramifications.”

There are also hurdles to overcome. She noted some anti-IP people have been raising concerns over some of us who believe in IP.

Attendees were treated to a youth orchestra recital before Felipe Claro, President of AIPPI, took the stage. He noted that this year’s Congress marked a lot of change, as it was the first Congress to take place on an annual basis, the first to be paperless, and the first with a new executive director.

He compared some of the challenges faced by the IP world to the earthquakes in his native Chile. “We are dealing with change all the time and [there is a challenge with [what needs to be preserved]. AIPPI is ready to recognise those initiatives no matter how controversial they may be,” he said.

Harmonisation of IP law remains an objective of AIPPI. The association also welcomes initiatives to promote efficiency in registration. Said Claro: “Not all people understand IP so we have to explain better to the outside world what IP is.”

The opening ceremony concluded with a dazzling display of dancing from around Brazil, displaying the diversity of the country. This featured an array of musical styles, spinning ropes, acrobatic flips, sword swinging and more.