The Role of EIPO NGO.
Intellectual property protection in Europe has a complex structure. Due to the long-standing tradition of intellectual property (IP) and patent protection in some member countries—such as Italy, where IP and patents have been legally protected for over 140 years—national governments have developed different strategies and institutions responsible for this task.
To ensure a harmonized legal environment, modern European institutions have created a network of entities with various levels of responsibility. Alongside these official EU institutions, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate to facilitate access for European citizens and businesses to the legal entities responsible for IP and patent protection.
These NGOs also serve as observatories to monitor legislative developments and act as consultants for European institutions. They typically interact through public consultations, working groups, or specialized think tanks, providing essential services to European citizens to uphold their fundamental rights regarding IP and patent protection.
One of these NGOs is EIPO, which is particularly active in Southern European member states.
European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is the EU agency responsible for managing:
- European Union Trade Marks (EUTMs)
- Registered Community Designs (RCDs)
- Geographical Indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products
- European and international cooperation in intellectual property
- The European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights
EUIPO plays a crucial role as a facilitator of the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN) and participates in several EU-funded projects through agreements with the European Commission.
The EUIPO Observatory aims to:
- Raise public awareness
- Provide training
- Develop digital systems
- Offer evidence-based data on IP protection and enforcement
- Manage the EU Orphan Works Database and the Out-of-Commerce Works Portal
European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN)
The European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN) connects European Intellectual Property Offices (IPOs), User Associations, and other IP organizations to create a harmonized trade mark and design system across Europe.
This network ensures that:
- Common practices, services, and tools are adapted to the needs of IP professionals and rights holders.
- Businesses can choose where to register their trade marks and designs based on strategic needs rather than differences in national registration practices.
- A high-quality user experience is provided via modern electronic services and streamlined IP examination processes.
The Italian member of EUIPN is UIBM (Ufficio Italiano Brevetti e Marchi).
UIBM – Italian Patent and Trademark Office
The Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM) was established in 2009, consolidating national patent and trade mark registration activities with policies to combat counterfeiting. The office traces its origins back to 1884, when Italy created its first dedicated Intellectual Property Office.
With the Growth Decree (Legislative Decree No. 34/19), UIBM was assigned additional functions, including:
- Fighting Italian Sounding (counterfeiting of Italian brands abroad)
- Annual planning of IP protection measures for SMEs
- Management of the Historic Brands Register
- Handling international patent applications
- Supporting companies in legal disputes abroad for IP rights enforcement
- Promoting collective and certification marks internationally
- Enhancing innovation for startups
European Patent Office (EPO)
The European Patent Office (EPO) examines European patent applications, allowing inventors, researchers, and companies worldwide to protect their innovations in up to 45 countries via a centralized procedure.
Key Facts About EPO:
- Founded in 1973 under the European Patent Convention
- Comprises 39 member states, including all 27 EU countries, plus Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey
- Governed by the Administrative Council, which oversees policies and budget
- Current President: António Campinos (since July 2018)
- Employs over 6,300 staff across Munich, The Hague, Berlin, Vienna, and Brussels
- Operates on a €2.57 billion budget (2023), funded entirely by user fees
Geographic Scope of European Patents
European patents provide protection in:
- 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation
- 1 extension state and 5 validation states, covering a market of 700 million people
Bilateral Cooperation
The EPO collaborates with IP offices worldwide to integrate and strengthen the global patent system, promoting innovation and facilitating international trade and investment.
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