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)