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ECTA 42ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN ANTWERP - A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE CURTAIN!

INTERVIEW WITH ALBERTO GIORDANO, MODERATOR OF THE SESSION ‘EQUAL ACCESS TO SPARKLING OPPORTUNITIES? DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION’

REGISTER NOW and join us at the ECTA 42nd Annual Conference in Antwerp!

Among numerous interesting panels, our attendees will also discuss around Diversity & Inclusion, fundamental for a forward-looking IP landscape, in a session moderated by Alberto Giordano, Chadha & Chadha, IN.

1. Introduce yourself and your link to ECTA.

My name is Alberto Giordano, EU Trade Mark and Design Attorney. In 2020 I joined Chadha & Chadha IP to help foreign companies in protection and enforcement of IP rights in India.

From 2021 I am serving the ECTA Programme Committee, and I actively participated in ECTA Conferences and seminars for some years already.

2. Introduce the topic of your Conference session.

A world where everyone feels valued, respected and included is still a dream. Despite significant progress over the past years, there is still a lot of work to be done.

During the panel, we aim to discuss and explore strategies for cultivating a diverse and inclusive workspace where all voices are heard and acknowledged.

3. Introduce the panel of your Conference session.

I will have the pleasure of moderating a panel featuring esteemed professionals from diverse backgrounds:

• Deborah Hampton, Trade Mark Team Leader at The Chemours Company, US
• Davide Leiballi, EU Trade Mark and Design Attorney at Studio Legale Withers, IT
• Roland de Meersman, Managing Director at ABAC-BAAN npo, BE

They will share their experience from three different parts of the world, yet inspired by the same commitment to greater inclusivity. I really look forward to discussing with them and engaging with the audience.

4. Why should Conference participants join your session, and at whom in particular will your session be directed?

This session welcomes all colleagues who aim for a brighter, more inclusive and diverse IP landscape and who are eager to share their ideas and experiences. This discussion is a pivotal moment for our association as we delve into D&I discussion for the first time in a Conference session.

5. Why should IP colleagues register for the ECTA Annual Conference?

The ECTA Annual Conference is a key event for IP professionals, offering a rich array of academic sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities. By attending, you will immerse yourself in cutting-edge discussions, make meaningful connections and become part of the vibrant ECTA Family!

**Find out more about the other educational sessions here or watch the video teaser about the academic program here!**

Register free of charge for the ECTA ®etreat in The Hague 'Moving Beyond the Frontiers of IP' in collaboration with BOIP

Boost your CLE credits by attending the ECTA ®ETREAT in The Hague (18 April), co-organised with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP). Register now to secure your place! This year's ®ETREAT is free of charge, do not miss this exceptional opportunity.

We will move beyond the frontiers of IP with engaging discussions on:

IP Valuation: Why, When, How? (Morning Session)

This panel will discuss key aspects of IP valuation that play an important role based on a company's lifecycle. From inception to insolvency, the why, when and how of IP valuation will be addressed, including different methods of valuation and the importance of licensing.

This session is moderated by Eline Schiebroek (BOIP, NL) and will feature Pieter Van Den Broecke (Linklaters LLP, BE), Stijn De Nijs (EY Strategy and Transactions, BE), Bart De Moor (Strelia, BE), and Nicole Ockl (TUI, DE).

Exhaustion of IP Rights (Afternoon session)

With the ECJ decision of 18 January 2024 in case C-367/21 (Hewlett Packard Development Company LP / Senetic S.A.) some IP professionals have referred to the effect of the decision as a paradigm shift, with regards to the burden of proof. The panel will discuss the decision and explore its expected impact on the issue of trade in unauthorized parallel imported products into the EU.

This session is moderated by Gie van den Broek (LXA Attorneys, NL) and will feature Pieter Veeze (BOIP, NL), Janette Hamer (Forresters, UK), Maarten Haak (Hoogenraad & Haak, NL).

Participants will have ample networking time during the lunch break and a cocktail reception following the ®ETREAT. You can consult the program here.

Secure your spot soon, as capacity fills up quickly!

2024 EUIPO GUIDELINES FOR EXAMINATION OF EUTMS AND RCDS CAME INTO FORCE

The 2024 EUIPO Guidelines for examination of EU trade marks and registered Community designs came into force on 31 March 2024.

The Guidelines outline the EUIPO’s general instructions to be applied in the most frequent scenarios and adapted to specific cases.

Available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, the Guidelines can be accessed in either a clean version or a track-changed version, visible via the ‘show modification’ function, which highlights modifications compared to the previous edition.

The EUIPO has also made available a webinar with an overview of the main changes introduced in this new edition. The webinar will answer the following questions:

• Where can I find information on means of evidence?
• What are the developments of the Office’s practice on virtual goods and non-fungible tokens?
• What is seen as ‘best practices’ in proceedings before the Office?
• What are the changes in practice brought about by recent case-law?

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ECTA contributed actively during the last revision cycle of the Guidelines and thanks its members for their active participation.

EU toolbox against counterfeiting adopted by European Commission

The European Commission has recently adopted a Recommendation to combat counterfeiting both offline and online, also known as the EU toolbox against counterfeiting.

The toolbox aims to strengthen the enforcement of IPRs by improving collaboration between right holders, service providers, and law enforcement while encouraging best practices and the use of modern tools and technologies.

To find out more about key actions and tools proposed, please consult the official press release here.

The European Commission and the EUIPO will monitor the implementation of this Recommendation and will assess its effects within three years from the adoption.

REGISTER for the ECTA Annual Conference in Antwerp!

The 42nd ECTA Annual Conference in Antwerp is coming up soon! REGISTER HERE!

ECTA members can attend a reduced fee. If you are not a member, JOIN ECTA before registering for the Conference!

Known as the city of diamonds, Antwerp offers a radiant setting for exploring the 'Many Facets of IP'. Secure your spot promptly to take advantage of the best pricing!

Watch the video teaser of the Conference!

The agenda is rich, covering a wide range of interests and with a focus on sustainability - a key for a better future. Check out the programme here, attendance options and prices here. Early Bird ends on 29 March!

We have secured a number of rooms at various hotels close to the Flanders Meeting and Convention Centre Antwerp (FMCCA). For details on hotel options and reservation at ECTA rates and conditions, please refer to the confirmation email received upon registration, but hurry, ECTA rooms are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis!

Attendees can expect great learning sessions on the latest IP trends and case law, as well as intensive networking in superb venues: welcome reception at Horta Grand Café (sponsored by: ALTIUS, DLA PIPER, ETHIKOS, GEVERS, INTEO, JANSON, KIRKPATRICK, NOVAGRAAF, WIGGIN), Belgian evening in the FMCCA gardens, and Gala Dinner at Handelsbeurs, the world's first purpose-built commodity exchange building.

Antwerp's central location allows easy access for many colleagues as it is seamlessly connected by high-speed train to major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Cologne - and is just a swift 30-minute train trip to/from Brussels International Airport.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to Antwerp!