We inform our members that the EUIPO has recently detected a series of irregular attempts to replace legitimate IP representatives with fictitious ones. The Office has implemented the following measures:

• Disabling malicious IP addresses linked to the incident and enhancing domain-level blocking and filtering;
• Strengthening verification protocols before processing such requests;
• Reversing fraudulent changes and allowing representatives to request reinstatement proactively.

Representatives are advised by the EUIPO to regularly monitor their User Areas to verify the communications received and are encouraged to review their account security settings and stay vigilant.

Affected users can contact customercare@euipo.europa.eu for support. To read the official EUIPO press release, please click here.

We are pleased to share with ECTA members the conclusions from the 2024 annual meeting of the Circle of European Trade Mark Judges (CET-J), held in Riga.

The CET-J is an independent group of 25 judges from 19 European countries that gathers annually in a European capital. These meetings serve as a platform to exchange insights and information on significant national case law, ECJ rulings, and emerging legal issues. The aim is to promote dialogue within the judiciary on key legal challenges and contribute to the development of harmonised case law across Europe.

The meeting concludes with a summary of the most important points of discussions, referred to as the ‘Conclusions’.

A new joint study by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), published yesterday, analyses the economic outcomes of companies that hold IPRs compared to those that do not. The study, based on data from 119.000 firms across the EU (2013-2022), covers patents, trade marks, and designs registered with the EPO, EUIPO, as well as national and regional IP offices within the EU.

The study highlights the significant economic value of IPRs, particularly for SMEs. Key findings include:

1) Firms with IPRs generate 23,8% more revenue per employee, rising to 41% when adjusted for industry, size and location with an even greater impact observed among SMEs.

2) Businesses that own IPRs pay employees 22% higher wages.

3) Around half of large companies hold IPRs, but only 10% of SMEs do.

The full report and executive summary can be consulted here.

The ECTA Round Table in Alicante returns on 27 February 2025 (16:30-19:40), co-organised with the University of Alicante and Magister Lvcentinvs - IP Master of the University of Alicante. The event will be hosted at the University of Alicante (Salón de Conferencias, Edificio San Fernando, Calle San Fernando 40, entrance via Carrer Velarde).

**MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR THE MAIN ROOM HAS BEEN REACHED. REGISTRATION IS NOW POSSIBLE FOR THE OVERFLOW ROOM ONLY.**

▶️REGISTER HERE

This year’s topic is "New Times for the Protection of Designs in the EU: What Will Change with the Reform?", featuring two insightful panels:

Panel 1: EU Design Reform and its Implications
Panel 2: Latest Design Case Law

The program includes a coffee break between the panels and concludes with a cocktail reception at the same venue until 21:00. A detailed program with speakers will be shared soon.

The event is free of charge. As space is limited, please reserve your spot only if you plan to attend. Please note that once all seats in the main room will be occupied, participants may be placed in the overflow room.