The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Association of Guarantee Institutions (AECM) have recently signed a collaboration agreement on 28  October 2024. This sets a new milestone, with AECM becoming the 23rd member of the EUIPO’s Ideas Powered for business network. This agreement was formalised by Joao Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, and Guy Selbherr, President of the AECM.

The collaboration aims to explore synergies in the EU financial sector, supporting ways to empower SMEs gain access to finance by leveraging their intellectual property rights.  Both organisations are committed to supporting SMEs, working to strengthen access to financial support systems, which are key to driving innovation and economic growth within the EU. Consolidating work efforts between the AECM and the EUIPO will bilaterally broaden the reach and impact of their activities across diverse business sectors.