The European Intellectual Property Office’s Executive Director Selection Nears A Decision
The appointment process for a new executive director at the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has entered its final phase. The Alicante-based agency named three candidates: Joao Negrão of Portugal, Etienne Sanz de Acedo, who holds dual Spanish-French nationality and leads the International Trademark Association (INTA), and Andrea Di Carlo of Italy, the current Deputy Executive Director. The board forwarded the shortlist to the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee this week, with the last step resting with the trade union council to deliver a final verdict in due course.
While a precise vote date has not been published, sources suggest a decision could come within the next two weeks. The official transition is expected to occur on October 1, when the current director, Christian Archambeau, completes their term, potentially stretching the finalization period a bit longer in practice.
In the June 6 board meeting, Negrão received the most support with 15 votes, followed by Sanz de Acedo with 10 votes and Di Carlo with five. This distribution mirrors the varied preferences within EUIPO’s supervisory bodies and hints at how member-state opinions shaping the EUIPO Council will influence the final pick.
Three candidates to lead EUIPO: Andrea Di Carlo, Etienne Sanz de Acedo and João Negrão. Information
Experts note that the ultimate decision rests with ministers from the 27 EU member states, who vote on the EUIPO Council. Their positions reflect national stances on IP policy, and observers acknowledge that internal dynamics within each institution can sway the outcome. Several external sources point out that processes differ across organizations, so a formal confirmation will eventually settle the matter.
During the Assembly, the three contenders presented their visions for the agency. The Euroagency aims to strengthen services related to trademarks and industrial designs and anticipates questions from Members of the European Parliament about governance and performance. One key area of scrutiny concerns possible conflicts of interest and the chair’s role, given the candidates’ diverse professional backgrounds in IP advocacy and industry groups.
For instance, during discussions, a question arose about potential conflicts of interest tied to chairing EUIPO while directing a lobby focused on registered trademarks. The Spanish-French candidate, born in San Sebastián and raised largely in Alicante, stressed that the organization’s history shows no conflict of interest and that EUIPO board duties and budget considerations remain distinct from other professional activities.
When addressing renewal and accountability, the candidates stressed the importance of ongoing transparency about their professional engagements and recommendations. They framed their candidacies around strengthening the agency’s independence, ensuring that trademark and design protections stay robust in a changing digital landscape, and maintaining steady financial performance amid shifting enrollment trends.
The base salary for the role is set at €17,639 per month, as outlined in the call for applications issued after Archambeau chose not to extend their term. This compensation package serves as a reference point for evaluators as they assess candidates’ qualifications against the demands of the executive director position.
Di Carlo, currently the second-in-command at EUIPO, has faced questions about the agency’s revenue trajectory, which has declined due to fewer enrollments and a perceived need for greater agility in operations. Proponents highlight a cost containment program and a positive outlook for the most recent financial year. Critics argue that rising inflation and lower registrations have eroded real income, suggesting further reforms to stabilize finances without compromising essential IP services.
Di Carlo has advocated a more flexible fee structure to better manage revenue fluctuations amid economic volatility. He argues that with registrations down and inflation rising, the current revenue model needs adjustments to sustain investments in core functions and long-term strategic initiatives.
João Negrão, the Portuguese candidate, faced questions from Danish MEP Karen Melchior about efficiency and governance. Negrão defended his record and stressed that Portugal, as the proposing country, has supported participation throughout the campaign and that any perception of impropriety is unfounded. He highlighted a proactive, work-focused leadership style and his history of managing complex IP portfolios in high-stakes international settings.
As the process moves toward the final recommendation, observers warn that the outcome will reflect not only the candidates’ credentials but also broader EU political dynamics and the positions of member states on IP policy. The leadership transition at the Euroagency is watched by stakeholders across Europe, including trademark owners, design professionals, and consumer groups who rely on strong, predictable IP governance to protect creations and investments.
Ultimately, the decision will be announced after the relevant EU institutions complete their internal review and align with member-state positions. In the meantime, EUIPO continues its ongoing work to support and protect intellectual property rights across Europe while preparing for leadership changes that will shape the agency’s strategic direction in the years ahead. Attribution: EUIPO and related parliamentary briefings provide the framework for this assessment. (Attribution: EUIPO proceedings and committee discussions, with ongoing commentary from member state representatives.)