This year, ECTA brings something truly dynamic to its Conference programme: a live mock mediation, moderated by Judit Lantos (Lantos Law, Hungary) together with Mr. Sven Stürmann (President of the EUIPO BoA).Learn more about this unique session from Judit:1. Judit, introduce yourself and your link to ECTA.I am Judit Lantos, founder of Lantos Law in Budapest (Hungary), and I currently serve as Chair of the ECTA Mediation Committee. The Committee was established about 1,5 years ago, and I have had the privilege of serving as its first Chair since December 2024.Within ECTA, I have been actively involved for many years, including as former Chair of the WIPO-Link Committee, former Supervisory Board member, former member of the Harmonization Committee and local organizer of the Annual Conference in Budapest in 2017. These roles have allowed me to contribute to different aspects of ECTA’s work and to build strong connections within the IP community.The Mediation Committee is a young and very dynamic Committee, focused on promoting practical, business-oriented dispute resolution. As reflected in our mission, we aim to encourage dialogue, foster communication and support IP professionals in finding commercially meaningful solutions to disputes, beyond purely legal approaches.2. Introduce the topic of your Conference session.Our session is a live mock mediation, based on a realistic EU trade mark dispute between a well-established pharmaceutical company and a fast-growing start-up.Rather than discussing mediation in theory, we will demonstrate how it works in practice, from opening statements to negotiations and, ultimately, settlement. The session will show how legal arguments, business interests, and strategic considerations interact in a mediation setting and how parties can move from confrontation to a constructive solution.3. Introduce the panel of your Conference session.We have an outstanding and diverse panel bringing together practitioners and institutional expertise. The session will be co-moderated with Sven Stürmann, President of the Boards of Appeal at the EUIPO, and myself - we will also act as narrators, guiding the audience through the different phases of the mediation.The mediator will be Alexandra Crawcour, a leading mediator at the EUIPO Mediation Centre, who will lead the process and demonstrate how mediation works in practice. The parties will be represented by two teams:The Italian pharmaceutical company will be represented by Amanda Zahringer, a business advisor and dual-qualified solicitor in Ireland, acting as the client, and Ivett Paulovics, a dual-qualified lawyer in Italy and Hungary based in Milan and Vice-Chair of the ECTA Mediation Committee, acting as external counsel.The Irish start-up company will be represented by Carol Gormley of FRKelly, Ireland, and a member of the Irish Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys (APTMA), together with Sean Cummings of Keltie, Ireland, also a member of APTMA. Together, they will bring the dispute to life in a highly interactive and engaging format.4. Why should Conference participants join your session, and at whom in particular will it be directed?This session is for anyone who would like to experience mediation in action rather than only hearing about it in theory. It will be particularly valuable for IP practitioners involved in proceedings before the EUIPO or national courts; for lawyers advising clients on selecting the most appropriate tools to resolve conflicts and achieve flexible, business-oriented solutions beyond the remedies typically available before courts; and for in-house counsels dealing with cross-border disputes. It will also be of particular interest to younger practitioners who wish to better understand negotiation dynamics and alternative dispute resolution.Considering that mediation is increasingly used in IP disputes, it is important for lawyers and IP practitioners to be familiar with this tool so that they can better support their clients as legal representatives in mediation procedures suggested by the authorities or by the adverse party.In this session, participants will gain practical insight into how parties articulate their positions and underlying interests, how a mediator facilitates dialogue and manages the process, and how creative, commercially meaningful solutions can emerge. The format is deliberately interactive and lively, offering an engaging and refreshing alternative to a traditional panel discussion.5. Why should IP colleagues register for the ECTA Annual Conference?The ECTA Annual Conference is one of the key events for IP professionals in Europe and beyond. It combines high-level substantive content with excellent networking opportunities and a strong sense of community.The Dublin programme offers a particularly rich and forward-looking agenda, covering key developments such as AI and its impact across different IP fields, ESG considerations in IP strategy, and sector-specific challenges in areas such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and green technologies. These topics reflect how quickly the IP landscape is evolving and how closely legal, technological and business considerations are now interconnected.In this context, mediation and alternative dispute resolution provide an important complementary perspective, offering tools to address complex, cross-border conflicts in a flexible and commercially meaningful way.Whether you are a long-standing ECTA member or attending for the first time, the Conference is a unique opportunity to stay up to date, exchange ideas and connect with colleagues from across Europe and beyond in a collaborative and engaging environment.To learn more about the Conference and register, please click here.

We wish to inform ECTA members that the EUIPO has published a new set of Boards of Appeal case-law research reports:Similarity between alcoholic beverages (except beers) (November 2025) - available in EN, ES, DE, FR, ITTrade marks contrary to public policy or accepted principles of morality (October 2025) - available in EN, ES, DE, FR, ITThomson Life doctrine and the concept of “independent distinctive role” of elements in a sign (November 2025) - available in EN, ES, DE, FR, ITThese reports are the result of discussions within the Consistency Circles and the General Consistency Meeting of the Boards of Appeal and reflect the views at the date of publication.The reports are working documents and do not have any binding effect on the Boards of Appeal.

🎉 Happy World IP Day 🎉To celebrate this year’s theme IP and Sports, ECTA has launched a series of initiatives:ECTA RUNS TO DUBLINThis week, we kicked-off a global challenge with various ECTA members running from different countries to the same final destination: the ECTA Annual Conference in Dublin 🏃‍♂️ ☘️Benjamin Fontaine (ECTA Second Vice-President, Plasseraud IP) - running from Alicante [video]Juan Berton Moreno (Berton Moreno IP Law) - running from Buenos Aires [video]Katri Kiviniemi (Castrén & Snellman) - running from Helsinki [video]Ike Ibeku (Benchmac & Ince) - running from Abuja [video]Mary White (Murgitroyd) - on the home stretch, running in Dublin [video]ECTA friends around the world, lace up your shoes and make your way to Dublin - we look forward to seeing you all at the finish line! Sign up here!INTERVIEW WITH BENJAMIN SCHINDLER (FIBA, Fédération Internationale de Basketball)🎤 In this focus interview, conducted by Anna Ostanina (ECTA Head of Legal and Institutional Relations), Benjamin Schindler (Senior Legal Affairs Manager at FIBA, Fédération Internationale de Basketball) reflects from a practical perspective on more than a decade of experience at the intersection of sports governance and IP enforcement.The discussion explores the specificities of the sport industry and the limits of traditional IP tools in an event-driven environment. His insights offer a perspective on how federations balance legal theory, operational constraints, and sponsor expectations in major international competitions and how external counsels can support them on this journey.Enjoy reading it! 🏀

This update is to help ECTA members and IP community at large stay informed about upcoming ECTA events and plan ahead. Registration links and further details will be shared via direct email communication in due course.If you are not a member and would like to receive updates on ECTA events and activities, please email ecta@ecta.org to be included on our mailing list.12 May 2026ECTA UPC Coffee by ECTA Patent Committee 📍  Online (every second Tuesday of the month) Open to members only / Link to join regularly sent via email and available on the ECTA private site17-20 June 2026ECTA 44th Annual Conference “Green Light for Growth” 📍  Dublin, IrelandOpen to all / Register here.15-17 October 2026ECTA Autumn Meeting 📍  Porto, Portugal Open to ECTA Supervisory Board and Committee members only / More information will follow.Spring 2027ECTA ®ETREAT📍 The Hague, The Netherlands In collaboration with Benelux Office for Intellectual PropertyMore information will follow.16-19 June 2025ECTA 45th Annual Conference  📍  Destination to be unveiled soon!

The EUIPO has released today a new report, “IP-backed finance in Europe”, which examines how IP can be better used as a financial asset to support innovation, growth and competitiveness in the EU.Although IP-intensive industries account for around 48% of EU GDP and 31% of employment, many companies - especially SMEs - still find it difficult to use their IP to secure funding. The report estimates an EU SME credit gap of up to €365 billion per year, with a significant share linked to IP-intensive firms.The main barriers are lack of data, information gaps, lack of harmonised legal frameworks, limited recognition of intangible assets, and the fact that IP valuation is often costly and complex with few experts available.The report sets out key priorities to support IP-backed finance, such as improving IP visibility, strengthening valuation methods, building a robust data foundation, enabling risk-sharing tools, and increasing coordination across stakeholders.To find out more, please access the executive summary and full report here.ECTA is mindful of the relevance of IP valuation and the increasing international attention it is receiving. In this context, it has recently established a dedicated IP Valuation Task Force with the aim of actively contributing to the debate, providing recommendations, and sharing knowledge among its members.

ECTA and its Design Committee are actively cooperating with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA) in raising awareness of the importance of design protection.Despite being one of the strongest drivers of differentiation and value creation for businesses, design protection is still too often perceived as complex, costly, or purely legal. Through our ongoing conversations with the EUIPO and BEDA, many avenues for collaboration have emerged, and several joint initiatives are coming up in the course of 2026.Among these initiatives, ECTA will participate in a joint webinar with the EUIPO and BEDA on 21 April 2026 “Design protection as a business strategy: turning creativity into competitive advantage” (Register Here!) which aims to present design protection as a strategic business tool that is both accessible and closely aligned with designers’ real needs. In particular, Rogier Goos, ECTA Design Committee Vice-Chair, will illustrate success stories and strategic mistakes through real-world examples from the design sector and explain how IP practitioners support designers, acting as a bridge between their creative vision and EUIPO procedures.ECTA will also collaborate with the EUIPO to support IP education for university students in design and related disciplines, including architecture, engineering and fine arts. This will include participation in educational initiatives and Virtual Open Days dedicated to designs. Marta Alves Vieira (ECTA Design Committee Secretary) and Sylvia Todorova (ECTA Design Committee member) will contribute practical insights based on their experience as design attorneys.Another aspect of this collaboration will involve improving existing training materials, also by including examples of well-protected designs from our practitioners’ experience. Also, the IP Essentials MOOC on the fundamentals of intellectual property rights will soon introduce the module on designs, with the support of ECTA experts.ECTA is grateful to the EUIPO for the opportunity to collaborate on these relevant initiatives through the expertise of the ECTA Design Committee.

ECTA Bulletin: Out Now - Explore the Latest Edition Here!In this edition:A preview of what to expect from the upcoming ECTA Annual Conference in Dublin - Register here!With Dublin being our next destination, enjoy an introduction of Ireland based on 10 most famous Irish brands;The continuation of our Art. 8(4) EUTMR series, this time focusing on Ireland, France, and Austria. By the end of the series, we aim to create a 'guide' offering lawyers an overview of the relevant national regulations;Further insights on the UPC, developments in the field of AI, copyright and freedom of expression, enforceability of ARIPO trade marks, milestones in the world of IP in Hungary since the 1970s, discussions on new judgments, and much more;A warm welcome to new ECTA members.Interested in advertising in the next ECTA Bulletin? Send an email to ecta@ecta.org to learn more and secure your spot.Thank you to the ECTA Publications Committee for another excellent edition - learn more about the team on page 3. A print-friendly version is available for members only in the ECTA Library (private site).

By Anette Rasmussen (ECTA Past President; Member ECTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee, H. Lundbeck A/S) and Christina Kefala (Member ECTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee, Malamis & Associates)On 26 March 2026, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a landmark agreement on the reform of the EU customs framework. This reform, described as the most significant since the establishment of the Customs Union in 1968, aims to modernise customs processes, strengthen enforcement capabilities, and address the exponential growth of e-commerce and increasingly complex global trade flows.From an intellectual property and anti-counterfeiting perspective, the reform introduces several structural changes that are likely to have a profound impact on the detection and interception of infringing goods at the EU border.A central element of the reform is the creation of a single EU customs data hub, which will serve as a unified digital interface for traders and customs authorities. By requiring economic operators to submit data only once, the system is expected to increase efficiency while simultaneously enhancing transparency and traceability across the supply chain. For enforcement purposes, this centralisation of data may significantly improve the identification of suspicious consignments, including counterfeit goods, through better risk analysis and data-driven targeting.Complementing this, the establishment of a new EU Customs Authority, to be based in Lille, France, will support coordination among national customs offices and contribute to EU-wide risk management. The authority will analyse real-time trade data and help define priority control areas, thereby strengthening the EU’s capacity to respond to emerging risks, including those linked to counterfeiting networks and unsafe products.The reform also directly addresses the challenges posed by the surge in small parcels linked to e-commerce, a well-known channel for counterfeit goods. The introduction of a handling fee for low-value consignments, coupled with clearer allocation of responsibility to online platforms and distance sellers as importers, represents a shift towards greater accountability in the digital marketplace. In addition, the introduction of penalties for non-compliant operators may act as a deterrent against systemic abuse of customs procedures.Another noteworthy feature is the creation of a new category of “trust and check traders”, allowing highly compliant businesses to benefit from simplified procedures. While this may facilitate legitimate trade, it will be important to ensure that such simplifications do not inadvertently create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors seeking to introduce infringing goods into the EU market.Overall, the reform reflects a clear intention to balance trade facilitation with stronger enforcement tools. For right holders, the increased use of data, improved coordination, and enhanced accountability of intermediaries are welcome developments that could significantly reinforce the fight against counterfeiting.However, much will depend on the practical implementation of the new system, including the effectiveness of the data hub, the resources allocated to the EU Customs Authority, and the level of cooperation between national administrations.Comment and questionThe reform represents a decisive step towards a more integrated and data-driven customs enforcement framework in the EU, which is particularly timely in light of the growing sophistication of counterfeit distribution channels. If effectively implemented, it has the potential to substantially enhance the protection of IP rights at the border.That said, an important question remains: will the increased reliance on centralised data and risk-based controls translate into sufficiently targeted and consistent enforcement across all Member States, particularly in the context of high-volume, low-value e-commerce shipments that currently pose the greatest challenge for right holders?A further practical concern relates to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where seized goods are frequently transferred to national health authorities under medicines legislation. In such cases, right holders often lose visibility entirely once goods leave the customs framework. It remains unclear whether the reform addresses this gap or whether the current “black box” will persist, thereby limiting effective enforcement and follow-up from an IP perspective.-----The views expressed are those of our members and not necessarily of ECTA as an association. The content has not been subjected to a verification process, the accuracy of the information contained in the article is responsibility of the authors.

Today is your LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER AT THE EARLY BIRD RATE for the 44th Annual Conference ‘Green Light for Growth’ on 17-20 June 2026. It will be three immersive days dedicated to intellectual property, with a strong focus on how technology and innovation are impacting the IP landscape - alongside plenty of networking in the friendliest community!Why Dublin?Today, Dublin is a dynamic European capital, a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s docklands - once filled with ships - now host the European headquarters of major tech giants and trailblazing Irish firms. Its universities, research centres, and creative industries drive Dublin’s reputation as a city of ideas and progress.Visitors will find a city alive with culture and warmth. Literary legends like Joyce and Yeats continue to inspire, while traditional music sessions spill from historic pubs. A cosmopolitan dining scene and buzzing nightlife reflect the city’s modern edge.Delegates at ECTA 2026 will experience first-hand why Ireland is a place where heritage meets innovation - and where bold ideas find green lights to grow.(Local Organising Committee)What’s on the agenda?Wednesday, 17 June - Committee Meetings, Mock Mediation, Keynote and Welcome ReceptionThe Conference will kick off with Committee meetings to discuss ongoing projects and key developments across all IP areas, offering a wealth of useful insights for IP professionals. Sneak peek: in Dublin, discussions will also begin on a very relevant topic that goes beyond the purely legal dimension of IP - its valuation.The educational programme will then open with a highly interactive mock mediation workshop. Participants will be guided through the preparatory phase, observe a mediation in action, explore the roles of the parties involved and analyse the key factors that contribute to a successful outcome. This will be followed by a keynote session addressing challenges and evolving dynamics for women in the legal profession. Professionals of all genders and levels of seniority are warmly encouraged to attend!Our active and fast-growing Young Professionals Group will also host a dedicated gathering for its 100+ members. The day will conclude with the Welcome Reception at Café en Seine, one of Dublin’s most iconic venues, blending the Belle Époque glamour with contemporary Irish style.Thursday, 18 June - Educational Immersion and Cheers!After the opening remarks by ECTA President, Thursday will begin with a lively interview with leading IP personalities from institutions, industry and private practice, offering a multi-perspective overview of the latest IP news and trends. The programme will then continue with a practical panel on best practices for developing and managing comprehensive IP portfolios in the era of green technology, addressing both protection strategies and value creation.Further sessions will explore the impact of AI and dupe influencers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, as well as how ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) considerations influence IP strategy in the tech sector, touching on emerging trends in IP litigation and enforcement.ECTA’s Board of Directors and long-standing members will welcome first-time attendees to the ECTA Family in a dedicated gathering, sharing practical tips on how to make the most out of the association and Conference experience. There will be ample networking time and some video interview opportunities for newcomers!The day will conclude with a networking evening at the Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions and an emblem of the country’s brewing heritage - as the Irish say, Sláinte! (Cheers!)Friday, 19 June - Learning Boost and Gala DinnerFriday’s programme will provide a final learning boost, opening with a session on the EUIPO Knowledge Centre, including a comparison between the EU and US copyright systems. This will be followed by a geographical indications-dedicated session on ESG, greenwashing and green claims, and a session exploring how AI is impacting the design field, from creation and use to protection and enforcement. The working programme will conclude with one of ECTA’s most popular highlights: the session on recent EU case law, offering an update of key judicial IP developments.ECTA Award winners will be celebrated, and the Conference will conclude with a Gala Dinner at the Royal Dublin Society, one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.Saturday, 20 June - Guided Excursions (upon reservation!)Attendees will have the opportunity to explore beautiful Dublin on a half-day tour featuring some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: the majestic Trinity College, its world-famous Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Dublin Castle, the vibrant Temple Bar district, and much more.Alternatively, a full-day tour will take participants through Ireland’s scenic landscapes, from the monastic ruins of Glendalough, across the rugged Wicklow Mountains, to Enniskerry, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, nestled in a wooded hollow among the hills. The Baileys making workshop will add a uniquely local touch.(Paola Ruggiero, ECTA First Vice-President, in charge of the academic programme)

We inform ECTA members that the European Union Intellectual Property Network published the List of Terms Used in the Digital Environment on its website.According to EUIPN, the List aims to support a more consistent understanding of terminology used in the fast-evolving digital landscape. It is intended as a support tool and knowledge repository for trade mark examiners and applicants across the EU.The List is not exhaustive and is not binding, it is provided for information purposes only. Therefore, any of the terms included in this list may or may not be subject to objections on a case-by-case basis, regardless of their presence in the list.The List will be subject to periodic review.

We wish to inform ECTA members that WIPO, in partnership with the European Commission’s International IP SME Helpdesks, is launching a new webinar series aimed at SMEs and individual entrepreneurs preparing to expand into key export marketsThe series aims to strengthen SMEs’ awareness of IP and provide practical guidance on protecting trade marks and designs internationally.The first webinar, focusing on China and the ASEAN region, will take place on 26 March 2026, 10:00-11:00 CET. Experts will share insights on the regional trade mark landscape, considerations for protection, and practical registration routes using WIPO’s Madrid System.You can find out more and register here.More webinars of this series are coming soon, focusing on India and Latin America, providing a general introduction to WIPO’s Madrid System for SMEs, and covering how to protect designs internationally using WIPO’s Hague System.---- In line with the European Commission and EUIPO's focus on SMEs, ECTA established its SME task force years ago, recently evolved into the permanent SME-Link Committee. This Committee helps ECTA actively participate in EU discussions and activities related to SMEs. ECTA's objective is to promote broader and more effective use of IP by SMEs, while highlighting the important role of IP practitioners in this process.

In January 2026, the European Commission adopted two further measures to modernise the EU industrial design protection regime: Implementing Act (Implementing Regulation II) and a Delegated Regulation.The Implementing Regulation lays down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 on Community designs, specifying the details required in applications for registered EU designs and related requests.The Delegated Regulation supplements Council Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 with rules specifying the details of certain proceedings concerning registered designs, including amendment of applications, invalidity proceedings, and general formalities for proceedings before the Office. It repeals Commission Regulation (EC) No 2245/2002. The adopted texts have been published in the Official Journal and will apply from 1 July 2026.The ECTA Design Committee and its Design Law Reform task force have closely monitored these measures and will keep ECTA members further informed of new developments.Katri Kiviniemi, Chair of the ECTA Design Committee, stated: "We appreciate the well-functioning legislative system in the European Union and the Commission's leadership in securing the functioning of our internal market. These changes will provide new opportunities for designers and design-intensive companies in the European Union and beyond. The ECTA Design Committee looks forward to sharing information on the coming changes and their practical implementation, working closely with the EUIPO and national offices of the EU Member States."

This week, ECTA met in Brussels with the European Commission (DG AGRI and DG GROW) to exchange views and discuss updates on a range of important topics, including:Reforms on designs, patents, and non-agri Gis;Updates on IP enforcement and evaluation of EUTMR and IPRED;Plans and developments in the area of IP valuation and SME support;Issues on the intersection of domain names and GIs, use of GIs in the labelling and advertising and treatment of GIs under various bilateral and multilateral international agreements;As well as other topics of interest to our members and related to ongoing projects within various ECTA Committees.The ECTA delegation included Carina Gommers (President), Paola Ruggiero (1st Vice President), Benjamin Fontaine (2nd Vice President), Julien Scicluna (Secretary General), Klaudia Błach Morysińska (Treasurer), Anna Ostanina (Head of Legal Affairs), Aitor Pomares (Chair of the Geographical Indications Committee), and Peter Lukacsi (Chair of the IP Valuation Task Force).In addition, in a productive meeting in Brussels, the Board of Directors and Secretariat fine-tuned the details for the promising #ECTA44 Annual Conference in Dublin and discussed other strategic priorities for the months ahead.

The ECTA delegation composed of Carina Gommers (ECTA President), Benjamin Fontaine (2nd Vice-President), Anna Ostanina (Head of Legal Affairs), and Peter Müller (Chair of the ECTA Patent Committee) held the first bilateral meeting with the EPO yesterday. This meeting presented an opportunity to introduce ECTA’s work on patents and the ECTA Patent Committee. We also appreciated the chance to learn more about EPO’s recent developments and activities impacting our profession. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and having more regular exchanges between our patent experts and the EPO representatives.We are also pleased to welcome several EPO colleagues at today’s ECTA ®ETREAT “UPC - A Success Story?” at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office in Munich - it promises to be a full day of very interesting discussions!

This week, ECTA took part in the annual European Sister Organisations’ (ESO) meeting, held this time in Munich, Germany and jointly organised by ECTA and GRUR.ECTA was represented by 1st Vice-President Paola Ruggiero, 2nd Vice-President Benjamin Fontaine, and Head of Legal Affairs Anna Ostanina.The meeting brought together representatives from APRAM, BMM, CITMA, ECTA, GRUR, MARQUES and UNION-IP for discussions on key challenges, joint initiatives, and recent developments in IP legislation and practice as well as benchmarking of practices in some strategic areas.The ESO meeting continues its important tradition of cooperation and knowledge exchange, fostering closer ties, coordinated actions and more impactful advocacy efforts between European IP associations.This meeting was held a historical venue, the TUM library, and included a walking tour of the city and a visit to the Lenbachhouse Gallery, thus providing an opportunity for more informal exchanges between participants.We express heartfelt thanks to all the participants of the meeting and their valuable contributions, as well as to our co-host, GRUR, for helping to plan the culturally rich programme adding a special touch to the meeting.

Last week, ECTA and the EUIPO held their annual Bilateral Meeting at the EUIPO Headquarters in Alicante, discussing a wide range of topics of mutual interest relating to various IP rights and their enforcement.We are grateful to the EUIPO, the Executive Director João Negrão and his team for the hospitality and warm welcome in Alicante, as well as for the productive exchange, strengthening the fruitful cooperation we have built over the years.Among the topics discussed were: the EUIPO mediation procedure and clarifications around the scope of the Mediation Centre; the current approach to trade marks covering software; the design novelty search database; clarification on the application of certain articles of the CIGI Regulation; updates from the Copyright Knowledge Center; the implementation and administration of Text and Data Mining databases; the issue of undefended oppositions in the context of Chinese applications; the functioning of IPEP and the role of legal representatives; the IP landscape foresight exercise; AI-generated preliminary opinions on oppositions, and AI-generated evidence and submissions. More information about the updates received will be shared soon with our members.ECTA was represented by Carina Gommers (President), Paola Ruggiero (First Vice-President), Benjamin Fontaine (Second Vice-President), Anna Ostanina (Head of Legal Affairs), Cristina Bercial-Chaumier (EUIPO-Link Committee Chair), Sarka Petivlasova (EUIPO-Link Committee Vice-Chair), Stephanie Wuyts (EUIPO-Link Committee Secretary), Carlo Sala (EUIPO-Link Committee member), Aitor Pomares (Geographical Indications Committee Chair), Stoyan Sirakov (Anti-Counterfeiting Committee Chair), Judit Lantos (Mediation Committee Chair).Our thanks also go to the ECTA EUIPO-Link Committee team, whose expertise is essential for the success of this collaboration and regular exchange. 

We wish to inform ECTA members that Common Practices CP16 and CP17 are now available on the EUIPN website in 23 languages, along with the list of implementing IPOs and their implementation dates. CP16 establishes a common understanding of the notion of subject matter, as well as elements to be considered when assessing descriptiveness of signs that may serve, in trade, to designate the subject matter of the goods and/or services for which protection is requested under Article 4(1)(c) TMD. CP17 establishes a common understanding of the concept of slogans and an explanation of the assessment of their distinctive character, including a non-exhaustive list of common factors relevant under Article 4(1)(b) TMD.Both include illustrative examples.The documents were developed by experts from national and regional EU IPOs, the EUIPO and user associations participating in the drafting process. ECTA actively contributed to the development of both CPs through the participation of our members in working groups and through discussions within our Committees – particularly the EUIPO-Link, Law and Harmonization Committees - and governing bodies. We will now follow their implementation with interest.

We wish to inform ECTA members of an increased number of misleading email payment requests that are currently circulating and targeting users of the National IP Offices of Austria, Hungary, Norway, and Romania. The IP Office of your own country may be targeted as well.These emails falsely claim to be sent on behalf of the above Offices and request payment of an alleged TMView registration fee to various bank accounts. The messages refer to false legal bases and misuse the name of the EUIPO as the recipient of the payments.The EUIPO has started the takedown of domain names registered and used in bad faith to send these messages and has published anonymised samples of the emails on its dedicated webpage.ECTA members are invited to report any similar scams to us by sending a copy to ecta@ecta.org, so we can inform the EUIPO Anti-Scam Network and act effectively against scammers. Please note that invoices do not need to be anonymised, as this is handled by the EUIPO.If such cases arise, parties are also encouraged to file a police report at national level and share the relevant case file number with the EUIPO. As the EUIPO works closely with Europol, this information helps support their analysis and operational assistance to national law enforcement authorities.

The application period for the SME Fund 2026 has opened and will run until 4 December 2026.The SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to provide financial support to SMEs established in the EU and Ukraine for the protection of their intellectual property rights. Through a voucher-based reimbursement model, SMEs can recover part of their IP-related costs:Voucher 1: IP Scan and IP Scan Enforcement - 90% reimbursementVoucher 2: Trade marks and designs - up to 75% reimbursementVoucher 3: Patents - up to 75% reimbursementVoucher 4: Community Plant Varieties - 75% reimbursementThe application can be submitted by a business owner, employee or an authorised external representative acting on their behalf.  For detailed information on requirements and how to apply, please consult here. Helpful FAQs can be viewed here.An EUIPO webinar dedicated to the SME Fund 2026 can be accessed here.  ----  In line with the European Commission and EUIPO's focus on SMEs, ECTA established its SME task force years ago, recently evolved into the permanent SME-Link Committee. This Committee helps ECTA actively participate in EU discussions and activities related to SMEs. ECTA's objective is to promote broader and more effective use of IP by SMEs, while highlighting the important role of IP practitioners in this process.