Interview: Doris Canen, 3D Printing Tax Law Expert

Doris Canen LLM in International Tax Law from King’s College London (Chevening Scholarship). Graduate in Tax Law from FGV. Member of the Research Group on Taxation and New Technologies of FGV. Lawyer. Senior Tax Lawyer specialized in Direct and International Tax as well as New Technologies, working mainly with the taxation of cross border transactions, due diligence, contract revision and corporate restructuring involving Brazil. Previous experience in multinational companies, Big4 and law firms in London, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Doris will be a speaker for our upcoming Brazil event on April 17th, 2019.

Jenny: When was the first encounter you had with 3D printing? What was that experience like? What were you thinking at that moment?

Doris: I learned about 3D printing while reading OECD Papers on Digital Economy and how 3D Printing is one of the new technologies used worldwide. Also, FGV-SP organized an event in 2017 on the tax challenges of 3D Printing.

Jenny: What inspired you to start your journey in 3D printing?

Doris: After the above-mentioned event at FGV and observing the various challenges in my field of study (tax), I decided to pursue the study of 3D printing from a tax and business point of view.

Jenny: Who inspired you the most along this journey in 3D printing ?

Doris: Tathiane Piscitelli, PhD in Tax Law and FGV Professor and coordinator of the Taxation and New Technologies study group.

Jenny: What motivates you the most for your work?

Doris: The possibility to find creative solutions so that health and technology can advance in Brazil, considering the country´s complex tax system.

Jenny: What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were your solutions?

Doris: Brazil´s complex tax system is definitely one of the biggest challenges in my line of work and finding creative solutions for new technology considering an “older” local and international system is also a challenge. To overcome them understanding the different and changing interpretations of the rules and the risks involved is necessary.

Jenny: What do you think is (are) the biggest challenge(s) in 3D Printing/bio-printing? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?

Doris: From a business structuring point of view, compliance with different legislation worldwide to allow the proper use of the technology.

Jenny: If you are granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be?

Doris: It may sound cliché, but probably 1) health for everyone as it is impossible to live without it, 2) fulfillment – that people have the opportunity to do what they enjoy and make use of their talents and 3) dignified living conditions as many people don´t have proper homes.

Jenny: What advice would you give to a smart driven college student in the “real world”?What bad advices you heard should they ignore?

Doris:

Good advice: Effort pays off in the end and nothing comes without sacrifices so focus on expanding your knowledge through courses, practical experience and books and find a field of work you enjoy to specialize in and be known for.

Bad advice: The ends justify the means. I believe how you make it is just as important as actually making it so the ends do not justify the means.

Jenny: If you could have a giant billboard to promote a message to millions and even billions of people in our community (i.e. healthcare 3D printing and bio-fabrication), what message would that be?

Doris: Congratulations on healthcare being one of the lead sectors in 3D use (as per OECD information) and using it to improve health worldwide.

Jenny: What was/is the biggest risk you took in your career?

Doris: I believe switching jobs and areas of expertise presents a risk but pays off in the end.

Jenny: What do you enjoy in your spare time? What are you passionate about outside of your work/3d printing?

Doris: Working out, going to the beach and reading.

Jenny: What is your favorite quote? Why?

Doris: “Don´t let the noise of others´ opinions drown out your own inner voice” (Steve Jobs). I believe it is very important to choose your mentors and listen to them but many other people will try to discourage you and if you try to please everyone  you may not achieve all you are capable of achieving.

Jenny: What does the word “3DHEALS” mean to you?

Doris: Healing through 3D technology.