From rebranding to address regional growth to dealing with IP systems with levels of complexity, these testimonials illustrate how IP protection strategies can unlock new business opportunities abroad. Intellectual property is often overlooked at the early stages of internationalisation. Yet, as these examples demonstrate, securing trade mark protection can be the make-or-break for market entry, investor confidence, and long-term competitiveness.
Together with the European Commission and local partners, the EUIPO offers European SMEs a range of free tools and advisory services - fact sheets, webinars and one-to-one assistance - to help them navigate IP systems in Latin America and beyond. We encourage all European SMEs with international expansion plans to come to us early for IP guidance. Proactive IP protection is not only more secure - it also costs less. At EUIPO, we are still working to support European SMEs in protecting their innovations across the globe. Check the success stories below and discover how European innovation, when well-protected, translates into sustainable growth, the creation of jobs and stronger global partnerships.
MagicIAn (Portugal)
Based in Portugal, MagicIAn specialises in AI-powered software that converts text into 3D video content. The company has a figurative trade mark registered in Europe, the USA, and Korea. After raising interest from clients in Argentina and Uruguay, MagicIAn has Latin America in its sights as its next major growth region.
Gauntlet (Greece)
Greek SME Gauntlet has over 15 years of experience in Central America, particularly in the healthcare sector with products like disposable gloves. It started operations in Brazil in 2016. Following an acquisition in 2018 of the microfibre brand name "Superlime", Gauntlet launched a rebranding campaign and is now rolling out Superlime across Latin American markets.
BellRing (Czech Republic)
This digital assessment platform from Czechia aims to modernise evaluation processes in schools. Having developed its brand in its home, BellRing looked to expand into Brazil and Mexico. Issues arose, however, with a competitor in the Dominican Republic having a similar domain name and quite possibly the same trade mark registration. The case study looks at how the company handled trade mark protection in these important markets.
ITalent (Slovenia)
Slovenian company ITalent uses AI for recruitment process optimization. Already established in Chile, the company faced difficulty registering its word mark "ITalent" since local authorities found it potentially generic. Having registered its figurative logo, the company requested further advice on how to safeguard their IP across Latin America.
Sweet Child (Belgium)
Belgium-based Sweet Child develops innovative baby bottles that are intended to support breastfeeding. The firm, which was founded by mothers and midwives, sought trade mark protection in several countries, including Brazil, using the Madrid System. While they were acting early, they encountered procedural difficulties due to a lack of local IP experts, highlighting the importance of specialized advice in foreign markets.
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