Eleni Kokkini also joined online on 17th and Elena Bojinova on 18th.
EUIPO’s 2030 strategic plan
EUIPO’s current and future mission is to deliver, together with national and regional IP Offices across the EU, high-value IP services to citizens and businesses in an efficient and effective manner, contributing to fostering innovation, competitiveness and economic growth in Europe. For this, EUIPO’s main priority areas in the next five years are the following:
- Customer and quality – EUIPO aims to enhance customer experience, to have better predictability, clear timelines and to continue developing their pre-assessment services using AI but always with a human-centric approach
- Awareness and education – to educate younger generations in IP not only as consumers today but also as future entrepreneurs by promoting education and awareness as well as building trust in IP
- Promotion of innovations – to make IP accessible by helping more people to choose IP rights while fostering innovation
- IP alliances - to create a strong IP community by strengthening partnerships in cooperation with user associations, national offices as well as international organisations
- Inclusive IP landscape - inclusion of underrepresented groups in IP such as SMEs (only 9% of SMEs protect their IP), younger generations (who are unaware of IP and the risks of counterfeit) and women (only 13% of designers and inventors in designs and patents)
EU Designs legislation reform
Regarding the EU Design legislation reform, a quick update was given, followed by a lively discussion on the challenges to implement some of the updates required, including the types of formats and technical specifications would be acceptable. eThese required changes arise from the broadened definitions of a design to include animation, movement and transition. The technical specifications need to be yet defined and will be implemented in the secondary legislation.
Boards of Appeal Focus Group
In the Boards of Appeal Focus Group meeting, EUIPO gave an update on the appeals. The focus was on the EUIPO Mediation Centre where two testimonials were given on the benefits of utilisation of the EUIPO’s mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution method. The main added values of mediation were speediness and effective business solution, for example with the possibility to bundle cases and obtain resolution to many disputes in one agreement (in different countries on a national level).
The latest developments in the Boards of Appeal case-law were discussed and the attendees were reminded that the Boards of Appeal publishes case law research reports. One report that was highlighted was the report on Defining subcategories of goods and services in the case of partial use. A must read is the latest opinion of Grand Board of Appeal published on October 15th, 2024 (in decision R0497/2024). This relates to the first ever request of the Executive Director of the EUIPO pursuant to Article 157(4)(l) EUTMR regarding a point of law.
FICPI’s view and involvement
Independent IP attorneys help organisations protect and build value in their IP assets, and bring insights and counsel from a wider external perspective and a commitment to high quality work. FICPI brings IP attorneys from around the world together to connect, share knowledge and grow.
Next steps
- Consider becoming involved with FICPI's Study & Work Committees, with groups ranging from designs to international patents, and biotechnology & pharmaceuticals.