Panel 7, “Innovation in the AGRO Industry,” kicked off the proceedings on the third day of ABPI’s Congress. The experts Ícaro Leonardo da Silva, Director of Patents at Ericsson, and Vishal Sodha, Global IP Head at UPL, were welcomed and moderated by Isabel Milman.
Ericsson’s executive centered on cellular technology use in agribusiness on the application of cellular technology in agribusiness and its potential for a positive impact on the sector. “The possibilities are numerous, such as vehicle maintenance and performance measurement, video-based operations, real-time video access, availability of digital maps, pest control and monitoring,” he stated. According to him, there is still tremendous potential for innovation in agribusiness through technology. “This will only materialize with the increasing use of technology by the sector. Moreover, it is essential to encourage the licensing of essential 5G patents to foster another cycle of technological innovation.”
Regarding patents, at the end of his presentation, Ícaro posed a question to the audience, asking what would happen in Brazil with the termination of legal mechanisms protecting holders of standard essential patents (SEPs). “I can envision some consequences, such as the devaluation of SEPs, a reduction in innovation rates with fewer submissions to the BPTO, and a gradual decrease in Brazil’s relevance in the global SEPs landscape.”
Vishal Sodha, Global IP Head at UPL, listed several challenges the agricultural industry faces, such as food security and providing healthy food while taking care of soil and water quality and health. “We need to think about pest management affecting different crops, water scarcity, transporting the harvest to people’s tables, and balancing and reducing chemical products.”
For Sodha, IP will be crucial in devising strategies to overcome these and other obstacles. “Digital solutions are important, such as satellite mapping, green technology/biotechnology, and data analysis that collaborate in managing plantations and harvests and monitoring climate changes.”
