In an effort to create awareness of the benefits of the intellectual property system among exporters and potential exporters, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) hosted a two day seminar on intellectual property rights beginning Tuesday June 23rd.
This is in-keeping with the National Export Strategy’s objective to transform Dominica’s economic sectors into export growth sectors by focusing on the strengths and opportunities for producers.
Addressing the opening ceremony, General Manager of DEXIA, Gregoire Thomas remarked that intellectual property rights can be applied to a number of sectors and not just the music industry as some believe.
“Intellectual property rights encourage innovation and rewards entrepreneurs in the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors. These rights provide incentives to keep exploring new approaches…while receiving protection for innovative work.
“Moving forward with the National Export Strategy agenda requires greater understanding of the rules and how we can use them to take advantage of opportunities under the Economic Partnership Agreement and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.”
He continued, “Intellectual property contributes significantly to business value and assists firms in their quest to gain competitive advantage.”
Facilitator of the event, McCarthy Marie, Copyright Expert, notes that this knowledge can significantly improve business and that this knowledge is also critical to the development a nation.
“If we in Dominica are to progress this is part of the knowledge that we ought to have about business.”