ESMA’s ITS clarify how national competent authorities (NCAs) and ESMA should cooperate with each other as well as with other EU authorities, entities and public bodies in the field of market abuse.

Market abuse can take many forms and concern different markets at the same time. As markets’ integration is increasing further, smooth cooperation between authorities, entities and public bodies is paramount in order to track down on abusive behaviour. Therefore, ESMA’s ITS set out procedures and forms for NCAs and ESMA to facilitate those exchanges of information and assistance.

ESMA submits its ITS today for endorsement to the European Commission, which has three months to do so. Once fully implemented, these ITS will contribute to delivering a regulatory rule-book for securities markets.

February 06, 2018 Website

EUIPO’s new back office will be rolled out on the weekend of 24-25 February

During the roll out scheduled for the weekend of 24-25 February, all the online filing applications of the EUIPO website will remain accessible and users will be able to proceed normally with their applications. EUIPO’s customer service, technical, communication and operations teams will remain on hold to deal with any issues that may arise during and after the release.  All communications will be channelled via the website and the Office’s Twitter account, @EU_IPO.

The release is part of the Office’s Strategic Plan and aims at the integration of all the IT systems used for managing EUIPO’s trade mark and design registration services. The ultimate outcome is to support all IP processes at the Office on a single platform in order to gain agility and flexibility and to form the backbone of a fully-fledged e-organisation. More than 400 examiners of the Office will benefit from this weekend’s release covering EUTM examination, opposition and Registered Community Design (RCD) invalidity.

The IP Tool programme started in 2016.  The first phases involved recordals, renewals and EUTM cancellation process. Later in 2018 the next phase will integrate all Madrid processes as well as RCD examination. The integration of appeal and litigation proceedings later in 2019 will bring the programme to a close.

February 06, 2018 Website

EUIPO’s new back office will be rolled out on the weekend of 24-25 February

During the roll out scheduled for the weekend of 24-25 February, all the online filing applications of the EUIPO website will remain accessible and users will be able to proceed normally with their applications. EUIPO’s customer service, technical, communication and operations teams will remain on hold to deal with any issues that may arise during and after the release.  All communications will be channelled via the website and the Office’s Twitter account, @EU_IPO.

The release is part of the Office’s Strategic Plan and aims at the integration of all the IT systems used for managing EUIPO’s trade mark and design registration services. The ultimate outcome is to support all IP processes at the Office on a single platform in order to gain agility and flexibility and to form the backbone of a fully-fledged e-organisation. More than 400 examiners of the Office will benefit from this weekend’s release covering EUTM examination, opposition and Registered Community Design (RCD) invalidity.

The IP Tool programme started in 2016.  The first phases involved recordals, renewals and EUTM cancellation process. Later in 2018 the next phase will integrate all Madrid processes as well as RCD examination. The integration of appeal and litigation proceedings later in 2019 will bring the programme to a close.

Good afternoon to all of you. First of all, I want to thank you, David, for your hospitality. I was very pleased to also meet today the Prime Minister, Theresa May. In a very short time, from now until October, we must advance on three fronts. 

First, translating our Joint Report into legal text. 

Second, the transition period, which you just mentioned, David. Let me recall that the UK government has decided the date of the UK withdrawal: the 29th March 2019. This was the UK’s sovereign decision. Mrs May has asked to benefit from the Single Market and the Customs Union for a short period after this. The European Council has indicated its readiness to consider this request. The conditions are clear: everyone has to play by the same rules during this transition. Let me add one point about this transition: the certainty about the transition will only come with the ratification of the withdrawal agreement. 

Number three: our future partnership between the UK and the EU. On that point we need also clarity about the UK’s proposals for the future partnership. The only thing I can say now is that without a customs union- and being outside the Single Market – barriers to trade and goods and services are unavoidable. The time has come to make a choice. Thank you.