The new general manager of the company European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), João NegroNot happy that this organization based in Alicante is currently in a leading position second largest community agency –and, in his own words, “probably the most important”-, 1,300 officials We are at your service with a budget exceeding 500 million Euros and almost self-financing. 300,000 applications per year trademark and design registrations. This Friday, the Portuguese made it clear to the institution he has been heading since last October 2 that he wishes to succeed the Belgian Christian Archambeau. It continues to gain weight in the European structureWith new powers that will further strengthen its role in the economic future of the continent.
For now, one of his first tasks as head of EUIPO is New geographical indications for craft and industrial products This, which Brussels has just approved, means a significant increase in the workload. However, Negrão pointed out that his wish was for this body to also assume control of the government. agro-food indications even the management of a unitary copyright already existing and possible in the future for the entire EU –european copyright– if the community institutions and the 27 member states decide to establish this figure.
This was stated during the participation of Negrão himself. Forum + Europe Organized by at El Maestral restaurant Club Information And Mediterranean HouseSponsored by Miguel Hernández University. An event moderated by the club director, Tony CabotThe community leader’s first public presentation brought together representatives from the business world, the university and the economic world of Alicante.
In his speech, Negrão reminded the long way EUIPO has come since its establishment. launched in 1994 with only five officials “Expectations about its potential are very low,” he said in a store on Aguilera Boulevard in Alicante. However, the truth has emerged and the possibility of a trademark or industrial design being protected throughout the EU with a single registration has emerged. More than 43,000 applications will be submitted in the first year alone.
Since then, growth has been exponential, reaching the nearly 300,000 requests it currently receives. Additionally, in 2012 Euroagency also undertook: Observatory of intellectual property rights violations Until then, he was based in Brussels and is responsible for the implementation of the EU’s cooperation programs in this field with China, 54 African countries, 19 Latin American countries, the Caribbean and European countries that are currently members of the Union.
“All this proves the confidence that the European legislator, the Council and the Parliament have shown in the work of the EUIPO by giving it more powers.” he emphasized. Now the next step will be to add management to these competencies. New protected geographical indications for craft and industrial productsAfter a long process, the regulation was approved by the EU Council. A figure that will allow protection with a specific name, as in the nougats. shoe making Elche or Ibi and Onil’s toyto indicate two possible beneficiaries.
However, in response to questions about the organisation’s future, Negrão expressed his desire for EUIPO to continue taking on new responsibilities. In particular, he stated that it was logical for the Commission, through its delegation, to be responsible for agricultural geographical indications, for which it already carries out some procedures. “If we have industry, we must also have agriculture.“, he assured. But in addition, he took the risk if the Twenty-Seven decided to launch a warship in the future. Unitary copyright for the whole of the EU – a European “copyright” –, “EUIPO should be the place where this right is addressed.”
In this context, the leader of the community organization reminded that currently copyright depends on each state, which contrasts with the sole administration carried out in other major markets such as the United States.
Fight against piracy
Beyond the new powers, the head of the Euroagency demanded greater cooperation from authorities to stop piracy. “The protection provided by EUIPO has no value, it is just a piece of paper if not respected“, he assured.
He pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in this sense is: to persuade young people the necessity of protecting intellectual property. “Them They don’t believe in conservation if they have a cheaper alternative to buy. “We need to raise awareness,” he insisted.
In conjunction with the above, he highlighted how the Internet is changing commerce and the way business is done, as well as the challenges posed by new technologies. “We should look How do we deal with a breach occurring in a virtual space?” he thought. Of course, the manager also sees these new tools, and especially Artificial Intelligence, as a possibility for the Euroagency’s operation to be more efficient.
João Negrão also pointed out that it should be encouraged. women There is greater participation in innovation, an area where Europe is the most underdeveloped region in the world, but in the case of Spain the figures put it first.
Among the final targets, SMEs and startups Use your intangible assets -Your intellectual property rights- To get the financing they need. Something that cannot currently happen due to the lack of a “standardized methodology for calculating its value” that exists in other regions such as the United States. One of the main reasons why many emerging companies leave Europe.