WIPO-EUIPO meeting and signature of Joint Work Programme

February 09, 2021 EU Intellectual Property Network

WIPO-EUIPO meeting and signature of Joint Work Programme

On 8 February, Mr Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Mr Christian Archambeau, Executive Director of the EUIPO, held a virtual high-level meeting to endorse the new EUIPO-WIPO Work Programme for 2021 and to discuss recent developments of both organisations.

Mr Archambeau and Mr Tang shared some new initiatives, such as the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) programme, the new EUIPO EasyFiling tool and the establishment of a new sector on IP and Innovation Ecosystems at WIPO.

During the meeting, they both reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation by signing the Joint Work Programme for 2021, covering a total of 26 joint activities. They also discussed on a number of new activities to be implemented in the framework of the Joint Work Programme, including new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the role of IP offices to improve the image of intellectual property towards new stakeholders.

The new Work Programme reflects a common vision on the fundamental role of IP and underlines that, by working together, the two organisations can contribute to make the IP system more effective and more relevant for the benefit of users around the world.