Made in Italy Vs Fast Followers PNR 285 ENG

Conversely, countries like Venezuela, Yemen, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chad face significant challenges, including political instability and weak legal systems, which undermine property rights and severely limit economic and social development opportunities.

• These systems, quick to copy, produce, and distribute at minimal cost, threaten the value of original products, especially in global markets where consumers, particularly the emerging middle class in developing countries, are drawn to more affordable alternatives.

• Strengthen the legal system and fight counterfeiting. The legal and judicial system must effectively protect intellectual property rights by reducing bureaucratic delays and expediting procedures. Intensifying the fight against counterfeiting is critical, particularly in key sectors such as food, fashion (often complacent!), and luxury, thus safeguarding innovation and the value of Italian brands.
• Physical properties, including those illegally occupied, must be protected with prompt action to ensure respect for the law and legal certainty.
• Cultivate a property protection culture starting from all school levels. Educational programs should include specific courses on intellectual and industrial property protection, not only in traditional fields such as engineering and business but also in humanities and the arts.
• Train managers and entrepreneurs. Companies must educate their leaders and teams on the strategic management of intellectual property and the importance of patents, copyrights, and trademarks as tools for competitiveness.
• Establish tax incentives and benefits for companies that invest in property protection. A tax system that rewards those who register patents and protect their innovations can stimulate more investment in R&D.
• Future industrial plans must prioritize intellectual property as a key asset to be protected at both national and international levels, with particular attention to complex markets and Fast Followers like China.
• Set up a network of “international sentinels” (embassies, consulates, chambers of commerce) to help Italian companies protect themselves from intellectual property violations in foreign markets and provide qualified legal advice.
• Create a national legal defense fund to support Italian SMEs in international disputes over property rights violations. This tool could provide financial and legal assistance to those without sufficient resources.
• Strengthen public-private collaboration to develop joint solutions for intellectual property protection, involving universities, research centers, and businesses in promoting patents and innovations.
• Speed up the digitization of patent registration and consultation processes, aiming to streamline procedures and make them more accessible, reducing bureaucratic delays and costs.
• Collaborate with international organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to monitor and more effectively combat violations and develop new international protection standards.