The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Bars Federation (FBE) have recently signed a collaboration agreement, marking a milestone in supporting EU small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in protecting and enforcing their intellectual property (IP) rights. This agreement was formalised by Joao Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, and Izabela Konopacka, President of the FBE, under the EUIPO’s SME Programme.

The collaboration aims to empower lawyers working closely with SMEs across the EU by encouraging their services to include IP protection, by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to help SMEs maintain their competitive edge. With the FBE joining the EUIPO’s Ideas Powered for business Network, it now comprises 22 members, significantly enhancing its outreach and influence in various business sectors.

Under this new agreement, the EUIPO will provide expertise training to upskill legal professionals in IP enabling FBE members to offer a higher level of services to SMEs throughout the EU. Both parties aim to boost IP awareness and protection, which is crucial for fostering innovation and sustaining economic growth within the EU.

The cooperation between the EUIPO and the Ideas Powered for business Network will significantly enhance the support given to EU SMEs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.