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.