The latest edition of the Guidelines for Examination of European Union trade marks (EUTM) and registered Community designs (RCD) entered into force on 1 March 2021, following the approval by the Executive Director of the EUIPO on 8 February 2021 by means of Decision EX-21-1.

The aim of Alicante News is to provide up-to-date information on EUIPO-related matters, as well as on other general IP issues, to the users of the EU trade mark and design registration systems.

As of 1 March small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the EU can apply for financing under the new Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund.

The EUIPO aims to provide state-of-the-art communication tools to its users. Decision No EX‑20‑9 means that from 1 March 2021 eComm will become the way to communicate with the EUIPO in EUTM and RCD procedures.

On the 11th of March 2021, the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office), in collaboration with the SLOVENIAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, will hold an online Ideas Powered for Business seminar to discuss the most relevant intellectual property topics affecting small and medium-sized companies. It is a unique opportunity to learn from experts about the SME Fund : a 20 million Euro grant scheme for European SMEs.

The EUIPO Boards of Appeal, together with the EUIPO Academy and the International Cooperation and Legal Affairs Department of EUIPO, are organising the third IP Mediation Conference, which will be held online on 22-23 March 2021.

Improved technology heralds a new era in EUIPO communications

Every picture tells a story and the EUIPO’s is one of accessible IP registration services for EU businesses, whether large or small. This is the starting point of The IP Link, a 7-minute short film which was made with the help of over 80 EUIPO staff members.´

The Portuguese IP office (INPI) is organising a virtual high-level conference on Intellectual Property and Digital Transition, on 11 February 2021.

By effectively protecting their intellectual property, innovative companies can secure financing, grow, collaborate and create value. But how does owning intellectual property rights (IPRs) impact their performance?