The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently signed collaboration agreements with EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. With these agreements the EUIPO consolidates its connection with exhibition venues and event organisers across the entire value chain, reaching out to a wider audience that could benefit from the use of Intellectual Property and EUIPO initiatives.

EMECA unites 24 of Europe’ largest exhibition venues, many of which are also exhibition and event organisers. UFI is an association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations. At European Union level, EMECA and UFI have formed the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA).

Both EMECA and UFI members will benefit from this collaboration by gaining a deeper understanding of why IP can help businesses and how to help exhibitors protect their IP and prevent counterfeiting when showcasing their products at trade fairs. For this the EUIPO will offer expertise through training, webinars, and other collaborative actions.

Barbara Weizsäcker, EMECA Secretary General

"Exhibitions are the platforms for R&D, innovation and new products. Start-ups and SMEs represent the majority of exhibitors on the trade fairs in Europe. We are happy to increase our awareness action together with UFI and via the EEIA towards these companies by signposting the advice and registration options for their IP at EUIPO and the excellent package of services in the framework of the “Ideas Powered for business programme"

Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO & Managing Director

"IP is at the core of innovation, and trade shows are the market places for innovation across all industries. UFI is pleased to support EUIPO in their work on making companies less vulnerable and more successful through IP."

Inge Buffolo, EUIPO Customer Department Director

"It is a great pleasure to welcome EMECA and the UFI to the Ideas Powered for business network. We hope this partnership will be fruitful and that together we can provide many benefits to EU businesses.

The exhibition industry can play a vital role in reaching out to those SMEs that need it the most, showing them how to protect their ideas at trade shows and fairs through our intellectual property initiatives."