Latest news

ECTA General Committee Elections 2025/2027 – Apply by 14 February 2025!

20/01/2025

The ECTA General Committee Elections are now open! If you are a member, please refer to the official communication you have received or login to your ECTA account to find the link to apply. If you are not yet a member, please apply for membership first. Being a Committee member is the best opportunity to get the most out of our association: you will enhance your network, expand your knowledge, contribute directly to impactful IP projects, and may represent ECTA at initiatives with key stakeholders like EUIPO, WIPO, and the European Commission. How to Apply: If you are interested, please ensure your 2025 ECTA membership is renewed before applying and review the following documents: • ECTA Committee Member Expectation Sheet • ECTA Bulletin article on General Committee Elections 2025 • Overview of our Committees The Committee term is two years (2025-2027), with a maximum of six consecutive years allowed on the same Committee (three terms of two years each). Kindly check your eligibility by reviewing your term in the ‘My Profile’ section on the ECTA website. If ineligible, you may apply to a different Committee or re-apply to your current one after a two-year break. Committee membership is not automatically renewed - current Committee members who have not reached this limit must re-apply if they wish to continue on the same Committee. Important: You may join only ONE Committee as involvement in ECTA Committee activities requires a significant time investment! In your application, please indicate your first and second Committee choices (if your first choice is unavailable, you will be considered for your second choice), outline your expertise and any previous involvement with ECTA and what you plan to achieve during the Committee term. Please bear in mind that acceptance into Committees is not guaranteed. During the assessment process your past involvement in ECTA activities, if any, and expressed motivation for a specific Committee will be taken into account. The deadline for applications is 14 February 2025 (no late applications will be accepted). You will be notified of the outcome in May 2025. The newly composed Committees will start operating on 1 July 2025, with the first meeting at the ECTA Autumn Meeting in Lyon (France) in October 2025. *Patent Committee: This Committee has just been established and is already at full capacity, so new applications will only be accepted in the next election round (2027). Current members will continue automatically and do not need to re-apply. *Mediation Committee: This Committee has just been established, current members will serve until 2027 and do not need to re-apply. However, we may accept a few new applications in this election round. *SME Task Force: The SME Task Force will become a Link Committee as of July 2025, thus (re-)application for the task force is not possible. SME-Link members will be nominated by the legal Committees after the elections. We look forward to receiving your application!

EUIPO issues explanation of implementation of Article 5s of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 on restrictive measures against Russia

17/01/2025

Effective from 25 June 2024, Article 5s of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, introduced by Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1745, prohibits EU IP offices from accepting new applications for certain IP rights from Russian nationals and companies. It also prohibits the submission of requests and participation in proceedings by these entities before the EU IP offices. Today, the EUIPO issued Communication No 1/2025, explaining how these new rules are implemented in its procedures (e.g. the scope of application of Article 5s and identifying the natural and legal persons concerned). The approach follows the FAQs published by the European Commission in November 2024.

EUIPO Addresses Irregular ‘Change of Representative’ Requests

17/01/2025

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.

Conclusions from the Annual Meeting of the Circle of European Trade Mark Judges

13/01/2025

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’.

EPO and EUIPO Publish Joint Study on IPR and Firm Performance in the EU

10/01/2025

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.

07/01/2025

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.

ECTA 2025: Save the Dates!

07/01/2025

We have an exciting year ahead with numerous events and initiatives planned for a great ECTA 2025. Be sure to mark your calendars: 🔹 ECTA Round Table (in collaboration with the University of Alicante and Magister Lvcentinvs) “New Times for the Protection of Designs in the EU: What Will Change with the Reform?” 27 February 2025, Alicante, Spain Register here 🔹 ECTA & APRAM (Association des praticiens du droit des marques et modèles) Joint Event 3 April 2025, Paris, France 🔹 43rd ECTA Annual Conference “Bears on the Loose” 18-21 June 2025, Berlin, Germany Early Bird registration opens soon in January - stay tuned! 🔹 ECTA Autumn Meeting (for Supervisory Board and Committee members) 30 October - 1 November 2025, Lyon, France Other key updates: 🔸 General Committee Elections open on 20 January 2025 - a great opportunity to apply for an ECTA Committee and maximise your involvement within ECTA. If you are not yet an ECTA member, make sure to apply for membership. If you are a member, don't forget to renew your membership for 2025 on time! 🔸 The ECTA Award competition is open for IP professionals and students. Submit your paper by 15 February 2025. More information on prizes and submission requirements here. 🔸 The ECTA Bulletin will continue providing us with IP updates, case law and insights in March, June, and October 2025. More events, webinars and initiatives will be announced during the year, don’t miss our updates!

ECTA Files its second Amicus Curiae Brief

03/01/2025

We are pleased to inform our members that ECTA has filed its second Amicus Curiae Brief in the case WEERGAVE VAN HET GEZICHT VAN EEN PERSOON (fig.), R 50/2024-G, pending before the Grand Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (GBoA EUIPO). The case regards whether a photographic image of a person’s face can serve as a distinctive and non-descriptive trade mark under EU law, in light of the perceived contrast between the Office’s approach and that of the Board of Appeals’, since the Office appears to systematically refuse registration of trade marks containing the face of a person, while in recent years, the Board of Appeal has ruled, by various decisions, that EU trade mark applications containing or consisting in a person’s face are not inherently devoid of distinctive character. We wish to extend our gratitude to the ECTA Amicus Curiae Task Force and to the volunteers of the Law Committee who co-wrote the brief, for their dedicated efforts in compiling the recommendations for the Grand Board.

Madrid System: Frequently Asked Questions - NB! the Email Address Requirement

11/12/2024

We would like to use this opportunity to remind our members that among other useful tools and resources the WIPO website offers a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the Madrid System. This resource provides valuable guidance for filing and managing international trade mark applications - which you may access here. As thousands of email addresses of applicants are still missing from the register, in particular, we wish to draw your attention to questions 25 to 36 of the FAQ, which address the requirement of providing an email address to WIPO for communications under the Madrid System, clarifying the process and helping resolve any related uncertainties. We also inform you about a free WIPO webinar 'Everything you Wanted to Know about the Madrid System' taking place shortly today at 16:00 (Geneva time), where WIPO specialists will provide answers to your questions and share insights about the Madrid System. If you are interested please sign up here.

ECTA-WIPO Bilateral Meeting Held Yesterday in Geneva

10/12/2024

Yesterday, ECTA and WIPO held their annual Bilateral Meeting at the WIPO Headquarters in Geneva to discuss topics of mutual interest and importance, such as, among others: • Key developments in the Madrid, Hague, Lisbon and PCT systems; • Results of the two Diplomatic Conferences of 2024, including the recently adopted new Design Law Treaty; • WIPO’s main developments and future plans, especially regarding SMEs, technological advancements, and AI-based tools; • Mutual cooperation opportunities and a range of other practical IP topics. ECTA was represented by Paola Ruggiero (First Vice-President), Anna Ostanina (Head of Legal Affairs), Bernard Volken (WIPO-Link Committee Chair), Valeria Conidi (WIPO-Link Committee Vice-Chair), Beatrix Breitinger (WIPO-Link Committee Secretary). We are sincerely grateful to WIPO for their hospitality and warm welcome in Geneva, productive discussions on highly relevant topics, and look forward to continuing the fruitful cooperation we have built over the years. Our thanks also go to our WIPO-Link Committee team, whose expertise is essential for the success of this collaboration and regular exchange.

EUIPO Published ‘EU Member States’ potential for protecting craft and industrial Geographical Indications’

06/12/2024

The EUIPO has released a new study ‘EU Member States’ Potential for Protecting Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (CIGIs)’, analysing national interest and frameworks for protecting CIGIs (e.g. textiles, porcelain, glass) within the context of the new EU regulatory framework (Regulation EU 2023/241). Main findings: A fragmented approach with 16 EU Member States having sui generis protection systems for CIGIs, but with difference in terms of scope, administration, registration fees, and enforcement measures. Strong support from the private sector for CIGI protection, with a more moderate level of interest from the public sector. In particular, public authorities from 8 Member States indicated that their country could seek the opt-out under Article 19 of the CIGI Regulation. The study provides a compilation of current titles and ongoing applications of GIs for CI products at national level that will cease to exist (132 names), as well as a list of product names potentially protectable under the new system in the 27 EU Member States (380 names). Such findings are intended to help policymakers and stakeholders understand the national landscape and prepare for the full application of the Regulation by December 2025. To read the executive summary, please read here. To read the full report, please read here.

EUIPO released a study on online copyright infringement in the EU

29/11/2024

The EUIPO has just released its latest study ‘Online Copyright Infringement in the European Union: Films, Music, Publications, Software, and TV (2017–2023)’. Key Findings: On average, piracy remains at 10 accesses per internet user per month in 2023, though software and live sports events piracy have increased. For the first time, data on IPTV piracy is included, showing growth and a rising stock of potential users. Piracy decreased for publications, increased for music, and remained stable for films, software, and TV. Socioeconomic factors remain relevant in several cases - for instance, the wealth of countries (GDP), degree of equality (Gini index), the perception of IP by citizens and the volume of the legal offer of content can explain piracy. To read the executive summary, please click here. To read the full report, please click here.

ECTA AWARD: Submit Your Paper by 15 February 2025!

28/11/2024

ECTA invites all IP professionals and students to participate in the ECTA Award competition by submitting an article or essay of importance for the development of EU Intellectual Property Law. We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice by Oxford University Press, extending this year to both the professional and student categories. One winner will be selected from each category (professional and student) and will receive a monetary prize of €1,000 and 18 months of complimentary ECTA membership. Winners will also be honoured by ECTA President at the Award Ceremony during the ECTA 43rd Annual Conference in Berlin (20 June 2025) and invited to join us for the gala dinner. Furthermore, an interview with the winners will be featured in the October 2025 edition of the ECTA Bulletin, and the winning papers will be showcased on the ECTA website. A one-year complimentary online subscription to the Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice will be granted to winners and, if not previously published elsewhere, the winning papers will also be considered for publication in the Journal. Please consult the ECTA Award submission requirements and judging criteria and send your paper to ecta@ecta.orgecta@ecta.org by 15 February 2025. Kindly indicate in your email whether you are participating in the Professional or Student category. All submissions will be evaluated by the ECTA Professional Affairs and Membership Committee with the support of other Committees and under the supervision of the Board of Directors. The publication of the winning papers in the Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice is subject to the final decision of its editors.

EUIPO unveils Strategic Plan 2030

27/11/2024

The EUIPO has unveiled its Strategic Plan 2030, outlining key priorities and goals for the next five years. Adopted by the EUIPO’s Management Board and Budget Committee, the SP2030 will take effect on 1 January 2025. ECTA has actively contributed to the development of SP2030 by submitting comments during the consultation process and engaging in discussions at its Bilateral Meeting with the EUIPO. SP2030 is built around five strategic goals: 1. Optimising operational efficiency and effectiveness 2. Enhancing the value of IP products and services 3. Improving access to the IP system 4. Building trust and respect for IP 5. Ensuring the sustainability of the European IP network (EUIPN) The priority impact areas to drive these strategic goals forward will be: 1. Customer experience 2. IP awareness and education 3. Promotion of innovation 4. Inclusive IP landscape 5. Enforcement 6. IP Alliances The plan emphasises the importance of leveraging new technologies, such as AI and blockchain, to enhance IP services and streamline operations. It also highlights the importance of raising IP awareness and education, particularly among SMEs, young people, and women, as well as EUIPO’s commitment of promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in the IP ecosystem. Cristina Bercial-Chaumier (ECTA EUIPO-Link Committee Chair) commented as follows: “We are very happy that the final draft of the SP was approved and thank the EUIPO for the extensive consultation which was carried out in its initial phase to be aware of the stakeholders’ concerns”. To find our more, please read the official press release here.

DesignEuropa Awards 2025 in Copenhagen: Applications now open!

26/11/2024

The EUIPO officially launched the 6th edition of the DesignEuropa Awards, which aim to recognise excellence in design and design management among Registered Community Design owners, including individuals, small businesses, and large companies. The submission period is open until 28 February 2025 and the awards ceremony will take place in Copenhagen at the end of September 2025. For more information, including the rules and regulations, please consult here. Inquiries can be directed to the DesignEuropa Awards team at DesignEuropa@euipo.europa.eu.

Design Law Treaty was adopted by WIPO Member States

22/11/2024

Last night, after the final stage of negotiations in Riyadh, WIPO member states approved the Design Law Treaty (DLT), marking a significant advancement in global design protection. The Treaty is designed to simplify, expedite, and reduce the cost of the process for designers to protect their designs both at home and abroad. What the Treaty will do: • set a maximum list of indications or elements that designers must submit when applying for protection. This closed list helps create a predictable framework, ensuring designers know exactly what information is required to file an application. • applicants can choose how to represent their designs - whether through drawings, photographs, or, if accepted by the relevant IP office, video. • designers may include several designs in a single application, provided certain conditions are met. • set out requirements for the granting of a filing date. Keeping the list of filing-date requirements for applications to a minimum is crucial because, in the field of design, postponing the filing date can lead to the loss of rights. • provide for a grace period of 12 months following a first disclosure of the design, during which such self-disclosure will not affect its validity for registration. • allow applicants to keep their designs unpublished for at least six months after having secured a filing date. • introduce relief measures and offer some flexibility to applicants in cases where deadlines are missed. Without such measures, in the case of designs, missing a time limit usually results in the permanent loss of rights. • the procedure for renewing design registrations has been simplified. • furthers the introduction of e-filing systems for designs and the electronic exchange of priority documents. The Treaty also expressly interfaces design protection with the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions: contracting parties may require applicants to file information on traditional cultural expressions and traditional knowledge relevant to the eligibility for registration of the design. Prior to the final stage of negotiations, ECTA submitted its comments on the DLT proposal to the WIPO Diplomatic Conference, which can be accessed here. Katri Kiviniemi, ECTA Design Committee Chair, commented as follows: “I have been following the Diplomatic Conference in Riyadh on behalf of ECTA Design Committee and have to say that I am impressed by this outcome, considering also the difficult times in world economies and in international politics in general. The aim of this Treaty is to unify the requirements for design application procedures and it was, at least for the most part, reached. Especially important for the designers is the 12 months grace period as a remedy if the design has been published prior to filing”. The Treaty will come into force once it is signed by 15 contracting parties. To find out more, please ready the official press release here.

Roundtable ‘The Future of GIs: European and Global Perspectives’ (London-hybrid, 12 December 2024)

21/11/2024

On 12 December 2024 from 1:30 pm (UK Time), in the Moot Court Room of City Law School (London-hybrid), ECTA member Dr Andrea Zappalaglio (Lecturer in IP Law, University of Sheffield, and incoming Associate Professor in IP Law, University of Leeds) and Dr Enrico Bonadio (Reader in Law, City University of London) will present their forthcoming volume The Future of Geographical Indications: European and Global Perspectives (Edward Elgar, February 2025) The book provides original and contemporary perspectives on the evolution and current state of GIs at European and global levels, focusing in particular on the challenges that this area of IP Law is likely to face in the foreseeable future. After the book launch there will be a roundtable discussion with experts from legal practice, industry, producers’ associations, as well as UK and EU institutions, who will provide their insight on the questions: ‘what advancements have been made by the Law of GIs in the EU and globally? What challenges must be tackled today and, likely, in the future?’. To consult the detailed programme of the event and register, please click here.

EU Design Legislative Reform Published Today

18/11/2024

By Rogier Goos, ECTA Design Committee Vice-Chair, Winger, Belgium With today’s publication, the Recast Directive on the legal protection of designs and the Amended Regulation on EU designs will enter into force on 8 December 2024. Member States have 3 years, until December 2027, to transpose the Directive into their national law. Most of the amendments to the Regulation will take effect on 1 May 2025, while provisions requiring further development through secondary legislation will take effect in July 2026. The texts can be found here. In recent years, ECTA has been highly engaged in the ongoing EU Design Reform. ECTA has regularly participated in discussions with officials during its Bilateral Meetings with the European Commission and the EUIPO, and has jointly advocated throughout the legislative process with other associations, notably INTA and MARQUES. ECTA will continue this work, particularly with regard to the EUIPO Guidelines on Designs and the upcoming proposals for secondary legislation (Implementing and Delegated Regulations), which will follow today’s publication of the Amended Regulation text. As the texts of the latter are not yet available, ECTA will monitor developments closely and engage with stakeholders as new proposals are released.

13/11/2024

REGISTER NOW for the ASIPI-ECTA Webinar on IP Valuation (19 November, 17:00-19:00 CET)! This joint webinar will explore the critical topic of IP valuation. Experts from both organizations will discuss its purpose, key methodologies, challenges, and best practices, along with industry perspectives and legal considerations. Moderator: Luis Kudo (KNR, Mexico) Speakers: Stijn De Nijs (EY Strategy and Transactions, Belgium) Bart De Moor (Strelia, Belgium) Adriana Barrera (BARLAW - Barrera & Asociados, Perú) The webinar is free of charge and will be conducted in English (with simultaneous translation in Spanish and Portuguese).

EUIPO Trade Mark Directive Webinar Series - Register for the Webinar Organised with ECTA on 14 November

08/11/2024

The EUIPO ECP7 TMD Implementation Training project has organised, in collaboration with National IPOs and User Associations, including ECTA, a series of live webinars which will cover topics related to the implementation of the Trade Mark Directive and national practice in each country. In particular, the webinar organised with ECTA will be on 14 November (10.00-11.00 CET). During this session, Riina Pärn (Pärn & Partners, Estonia), a long-standing ECTA member, will discuss recent changes in trade mark application procedures and opposition procedure in the Baltic Countries. If not yet done, please register here.