670. We would like to thank the proponents for the discussion document.
671. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are a driving force of economic development and employment in most countries. Brazil is no different. MSMEs represent 95% of Brazil's companies - a universe of six million enterprises. They also represent 75% of Brazil's exporting companies.
672. Just as the proponents of the discussion, we are convinced that intellectual property is a means to enhancing the business value and competitiveness of MSMEs, with positive effects on international trade.
673. Recent surveys conducted by Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE) revealed that intellectual property in general, including trademarks, are still little considered in the business strategies of a large number of Brazil's MSMEs. These surveys have also shown that these numbers significantly change when companies receive targeted training in IP.
674. The Brazilian Government is committed to nurturing an IP culture in Brazil and disseminating knowledge on the use and benefits of IP.
675. MSMEs and start-ups benefit from registration fee reductions and priority of examination in Brazil. This reflects Brazil's recognition of the importance of the right incentives and tools to engage these enterprises in the use of IP. IP education is one central aspect of our policy towards MSMEs.
676. For the past years, Brazil's IP office (INPI) has made partnerships with other public and private entities to reach MSMEs of different sectors and provide them with information on a wide range of modalities of IP rights. Examples in this regard are partnerships developed with the National Confederation of Industry, the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency and SEBRAE.
677. Beside the development of educational material, activities target capacitation of IP professionals and mentorship programmes for MSMEs. All these initiatives will be structured within Brazil's Intellectual Property National Strategy.
678. Its first draft, elaborated in coordination with key stakeholders from government, private sector, scientific community and civil society and in cooperation with WIPO, was recently submitted to public consultation. In the aforementioned strategy, MSMEs will have a pivotal role as they are directly involved in strategic initiatives related to competitiveness and capacity-building.
