Dear IP colleagues,

Happy 2024!

First and foremost, I sincerely hope this year will bring collective peace amidst global challenges and conflicts that weigh heavily on all of us, and that a renewed sense of global community is established. May it also bring you joy, good health and prosperity, along with ample moments of cherished ECTA Family time.

Reflecting on the successes of 2023, ECTA proudly stands at the forefront of the IP landscape with significant achievements. Committee membership has doubled, recognising the value of our work and the willingness of our members to play a more active role in shaping the world of IP. We have broadened the scope of the ECTA activities to patents, establishing the new ECTA Patent Committee, and embraced AI further under the umbrella of the ECTA AI & Data Committee.

From the vibrant Annual Conference in Prague to the dynamic Autumn Meeting in Turin, our well-attended events created long-lasting impressions. In 2023, we actively influenced pivotal legislative IP developments, leaving our mark, among others, on the EU Design and GIs reforms. Productive face-to-face engagements with the European Commission, Council Presidencies, EUIPO, and WIPO not only reinforced our relationship with crucial stakeholders but also resulted in invaluable exchanges. Additionally, we have continued cooperating closely with our European IP sister associations and initiated a meaningful collaboration with ASIPI, broadening the ECTA regional and global presence.

Anticipating an exciting 2024, we are gearing up for more noteworthy developments! Keep an eye out for the opening of the early bird registration for our 42nd ECTA Annual Conference “Many Facets of IP” in Antwerp (19-22 June 2024). Also, to help you plan ahead, mark your calendars for other upcoming ECTA events:

ECTA Webinar on trade secrets in the EU
8 February 2024, Online
in collaboration with the Bulgarian Patent Office

ECTA Alicante Round Table on Evidence before the EUIPO
29 February 2024, Alicante, Spain
in collaboration with the University of Alicante

ECTA ®ETREAT
18 April 2024, The Hague, Netherlands (to be confirmed)

ECTA Autumn Meeting (for Supervisory Board and Committee members only)
10-12 October 2024, Seville, Spain

I also anticipate knowledge-packed editions of the ECTA Bulletin and would like to remind you that the ECTA Award competition is open until 28 February 2024. More surprises are on the horizon - young professionals and mediation enthusiasts, get ready for some exciting updates!

We would be thrilled to welcome you on board this year. Now is the perfect opportunity to become a member of ECTA and enjoy the maximum benefits!

Here's to a fantastic 2024!

Kind regards,

Mladen Vukmir
ECTA President