September 23, 2021: The U.S. Embassy and the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) organized a prize giving ceremony to award certificates of participation to students who attended the virtual training on intellectual property that was held on July 28-29 for the youth in Seychelles.
Intellectual property protection is critical to fostering innovation and creativity. Without the protection of ideas, businesses, artists, and individuals would not reap the full benefits of their hard work. The aim of the training, which was organized by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with SIAD, was to promote awareness of the different types of intellectual property rights among SIAD students.
A brochure design competition was also launched during the training to promote awareness of copyrights in Seychelles. The two winning teams of the brochure design competition, who received cash prizes of $150 each, were announced during the prize giving ceremony. Copies of the brochures were also handed over to the Department of Trade for dissemination to the public.
The training and competition were funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Economic Bureau to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2021, which was celebrated on April 26.
U.S. Embassy Chargée d’Affaires Judes E. DeBaere and Principal Secretary for Trade Cillia Mangroo awarded the certificates of participation and prizes on September 23 at the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design. Chargée D’Affaires DeBaere said, “Every small business starts with one person’s or one family’s dream. When that dream is coupled with grit and determination, ideas turn into products, brands, and creative works. Pair those ideas with the strength of an effective intellectual property system and you have the foundation necessary for new business opportunities, increased employment, and greater economic prosperity. This is why the United States is committed to increasing awareness and enforcement of intellectual property rights.”
Principal Secretary for Trade, Cillia Mangroo said, “The future of the country lies in the hands of our youth. Therefore, it is imperative that they are provided with the necessary tools to fulfil their aspirations. Such activities, which sensitize students on Intellectual Property Rights, will assist greatly in ensuring that our youth is well-equipped to protect their innovations, creations, and ideas. This also ties in with Government’s efforts in bringing Intellectual Property Rights to the forefront so that Seychellois creators and innovators can reap the economic benefits of their intellectual properties.”
Contact:
• Nicholas Von Mertens | Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy | VonMertensN@state.gov
• Coordinator | Seychelles Institute of Art and Design | virtualartsey@gmail.com |+248 4373353
