The selection process for a new executive director at the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has moved into its final phase. Three contenders, appointed by the Alicante-based agency’s board of directors, are competing to succeed Belgian Christian Archambeau. The slate has been submitted for review this week to the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, with the final decision resting with the trade union council? No—the final say lies with the ministers from the member states. This step marks a key milestone in filling the leadership post at EUIPO.
Although a formal vote date remains unsettled, indications point to an imminent decision, perhaps around the middle of the coming week, according to informed sources. Still, the official transition will not occur before 1 October, aligning with Archambeau’s retirement date, which could delay the process slightly.
At a board meeting held on 6 June, Joao Negrão, the Portuguese candidate, emerged as the frontrunner with 15 votes. He is presently the chair of EUIPO’s Appeals Board and has been actively involved in the agency’s governance. He was followed by Etienne Sanz de Acedo, a Spanish-French candidate who also serves as president of the International Trademark Association (INTA), with 10 votes. The Italian candidate, Andrea Di Carlo, currently serving as EUIPO’s Deputy Executive Director, received five votes.
These vote counts illustrate the likely balance of influence among the 27 member states, since each country’s representative on the EUIPO Council reflects its government position. Yet variations in stakeholder dynamics across bodies mean the final outcome remains uncertain until ministers cast their ballots. Analysts note that moves inside the council and among national delegations can shift as negotiations unfold.
During questions in the Assembly, the three candidates laid out their visions for EUIPO. The euroagency’s roadmap envisions strengthening services related to trademark and design management while addressing regulatory questions raised by members of the European Parliament, including those who have pressed for greater transparency and efficiency.
For instance, German MEP Marion Walsman Sanz de Acedo pressed on potential conflicts of interest, asking whether chairing EUIPO while leading a lobby that defends registered trademarks could raise compatibility concerns. The Spanish-French candidate, born in San Sebastián and raised in Alicante, recalled that EUIPO officials requested to step aside from roles that might be perceived as conflicts. He emphasized that any such issues would be handled through established procedures and budgetary oversight without impacting the board’s independence.
Di Carlo noted that he renews his petition annually and maintains that there has never been a recognized conflict of interest with his activities. He asserted that EUIPO’s operations require a careful separation of duties from external lobbying efforts, particularly in matters of budget and strategic planning. He also highlighted a cost containment agenda designed to stabilize the agency’s finances during periods of fluctuating registration activity.
Pay and compensation details show the baseline remuneration for the new executive director will be €17,639 per month, as outlined in the recruitment announcement issued following Archambeau’s decision not to continue. The discussion of compensation aligns with market standards for senior EU administration roles and reflects the responsibility of steering a major pan-European intellectual property office.
The Italian candidate, who presently serves as the organization’s deputy director, has faced questions about revenue pressures and the pace of change in a shifting registration environment. Critics note the agency’s revenue has faced declines tied to enrollment trends and inflation, while supporters argue that the leadership team is implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and cost control. Di Carlo contends that the euroagency has already launched a program to manage costs and that recent performance metrics show positive outcomes despite revenue pressures. He advocates for a more flexible fee structure to respond to market conditions and to counter declines in registrations and real income.
In their testimony, advocates for a more adaptable financial model argued that adjusting the rate framework could help EUIPO weather inflation and enrollment swings without compromising service quality. The discussion highlighted the broader challenge of maintaining financial resilience in a dynamic IP landscape as EUIPO continues to adapt to evolving digital and global markets.
History and governance feature again as the debate shifts toward how a new leader will align EUIPO’s mission with the expectations of member states and stakeholders across Europe. The Portuguese candidacy has faced scrutiny over past statements about the scope of the presidency and leadership roles in related organizations; however, supporters emphasize that the candidate brings extensive experience within EUIPO’s governance framework and a track record of managing complex processes. The ministerial vote will ultimately determine which vision guides the agency in the coming years. (Source: EUIPO internal briefing materials and parliamentary committee summaries.)
EUIPO creates more than 400 million impacts in the Valencian Community
The discussion around leadership comes at a time when EUIPO is highlighted for its broader impact on regional economies. In the Valencian Community, EUIPO-related activities are estimated to contribute substantial economic effects through employment, service procurement, and local initiatives that benefit small businesses, designers, and innovators. These impacts underscore the importance of a steady, capable executive leadership team that can sustain momentum while advancing the agency’s strategic priorities. (Source: regional economic impact reports and EUIPO summaries.)