José Rubén Gonell Cosme, the general director of the National Copyright Office, called for intellectual property to be integrated into public policies across all sectors during a regional training workshop in Santo Domingo.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Gonell Cosme said embedding intellectual property into broader government policy creates necessary conditions for authors, creators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to turn their ideas into sustainable and competitive projects.
The gathering focused on the effective implementation, communication, and dissemination of specific projects under the Development Agenda established by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The workshop was organized with the support of the global organization alongside the National Office of Industrial Property.
Public policy and author support
Gonell Cosme emphasized the central role of intellectual property in driving the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic. He pointed to government backing for initiatives that strengthen respect for and legal protection of copyright across the Caribbean nation.
According to the official, the work of the National Copyright Office extends beyond registering and safeguarding creative works. He explained that the agency actively provides training, guidance, and outreach for authors while fostering a broader culture of respect and proper management of creative rights.
As the state agency regulating copyright in the Dominican Republic, the National Copyright Office oversees compliance with national intellectual property legislation, safeguarding literary, musical, visual, and scientific contributions while supporting local artists and innovators.
Regional cooperation across Latin America
Addressing delegates from across Latin America and the Caribbean, Gonell Cosme urged participating institutions to use the summit to build stronger institutional ties. He encouraged officials to share practical experiences and design joint cooperation mechanisms to elevate sector management throughout the region.
He urged participants directly to make personal connections with one another during the sessions, noting that direct personal and professional interaction serves as a fundamental tool for consolidating long-term international cooperation.
During his address, the agency head also highlighted recent progress made by the Dominican Republic across several key fields, including artificial intelligence, patents, copyright protections, and industrial property management.
Workshop venue and international delegates
The regional workshop is being held at the Embassy Hilton Hotel in Santo Domingo and runs through Thursday. The event brings together specialists and government representatives from across the region to refine strategies surrounding WIPO Development Agenda initiatives.
The Development Agenda was formally adopted by WIPO to ensure that development considerations remain an integral part of global intellectual property policy and administration, particularly for developing nations across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Several high-level officials took part in the opening ceremony alongside Gonell Cosme. Attendees included Ilena Carolina Rosario, director of commercial policy at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs; Salvador Ramos, general director of the National Office of Industrial Property; and Feri Jiao, counselor at the Development Agenda Coordination Division of WIPO.
