On December 6, 2011, the Conference Hall of the National Library of Belarus, under the auspice of the "BelBrand" Association supported by the Ministry of Economy and the State Committee for Sciences and Technologies, brought together representatives of the business community, diplomatic corps, governmental agencies, public organizations, scientists and experts in the sphere of intellectual property protection.
The broad representation and the importance of the discussed problems indicated the extent of the authority of the forum, which was intended to unite the efforts of the parties, directed at creating a climate of mutual respect and trust among owners of trade marks and brands and their business partners, and of the atmosphere of fair and vigorous competition, and strengthening of the image of companies and countries in the eyes of the international community.
It is time to overcome the fragmentation, Albert Taipov, the Chairman of the "BelBrand" Association, said then. All the actors – the state, manufacturers and those who are engaged in intellectual property protection – understand that now we need consolidated efforts, which will allow the national industry to be attractive in the domestic and foreign markets. This, in fact, was the idea of the Conference, which served not only to exchange views within the discussion continuously held by the "BelBrand" Association with the participation of leading experts on intellectual property issues, but also to adopt particular decisions on the way to strengthen the positions of the Association, and its influence on drafting protective strategies in the interests of the business. The interest in cooperation was expressed by state-owned enterprises, brand owners, representatives of the commercial structures, which possess an impeccable reputation. This was the first step towards the creation of the Minsk Forum, which has deservedly received its residence in the entire Eurasian space.