IP attaché in Brazil appointed to support UK businesses
British businesses will now be able to access intellectual property advice and support from a newly appointed IP attaché in Brazil.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced Sheila Alves as the new IP attaché for Brazil at UK Trade and Investment’s Brazil Business Day event at Lancaster House.
Sheila Alves will be based in the British Embassy in Brasilia, working with representatives from UKTI and the Foreign and Commonwealth office. The position is central to the government’s plans to enhance trade relations and to support IP and innovation-led businesses abroad.
Minister for Intellectual Property Baroness Wilcox said:
“The UK has enjoyed a strong trading relationship with Brazil for over two centuries and investment in both directions has increased in recent years. Bilateral trade between our countries reached almost £9 billion in 2011. I very much welcome the appointment of Sheila Alves, to cover this crucial market where IP matters are so important for UK businesses looking to operate there.
“Sheila has worked in both the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include managing IP and technology transfer projects and providing support to foreign investors on IP. The valuable practical experience Sheila brings makes her ideally placed to build on the UK’s links with the Brazilian government and to provide British businesses with the support they have been asking for on intellectual property matters.”
Sheila Alves said:
“Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with one of the most rapidly developing economies so the potential market for British goods and services is enormous.
My experience at Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency has provided me the opportunity to understand the difficulties faced by foreign investors trying to navigate the IP framework here. This is why I am really looking forward to making a positive impact for UK businesses which are already operating in, or looking to access the Brazilian market.”
Brazil has a large middle income population with an appetite for quality goods and services. In recent years, UK companies have prospered in Brazil in the oil and gas, banking, automotive and information and communications technology sectors amongst others.
Source: UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
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