BACKGROUND AND LEGAL BASIS

The tendency of the world economy in the 21st century is characterized by the disappearance of borders and an increase in the movement of goods. Hence, legal frameworks and observances that allow for the best development of these changes are required to guarantee the technology transfer, investment and national progress. Panama, as a member of the WTO and negotiating the materialization of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), has addressed the topic of intellectual property as a priority in its policy agenda. The creation and enforcement of the decisions of the department of intellectual property in the Colon Free Zone Administration is a measure of the will of the government to make effective the protection of intellectual property rights, not only at the national level, but also in international markets, which our country plans to enter.

The privileged geographical position of Panama has allowed the Colon Free Zone to traditionally exercise a leading role as a logistic distribution center. Therefore, the work of the intellectual property department has been indispensable to assure that the infrastructure and the services offered by the free zone are not used for the illegal traffic of goods. This year marks the fourth year since the creation of the intellectual property department whose duties have been carried more efficiently, adjusting to the changes that the new projects and expansion of the free zone require.

The executive decree No.79 of August 1st, 1997, which regulate Articles 176 and 177 of law 35 of 1996, empowers the Colon Free Zone Administration to guard the intellectual property rights in the Colon Free Zone.