The EU platform to manage customs applications for action (AFA)
and deal with IPR enforcement matters
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eAFA toolkit & resources
eAFA toolkit
As from 13 December 2021, all customs applications for action (AFAs) should be filed and managed electronically. AFAs can be filed and managed in IP Enforcement Portal (IPEP).
You can access IPEP through the LOG IN above, either using your IPEP credentials or using TAXUD authentication portal UUM/DS credentials (using your EORI).
Should your AFA submission country be France, you can also file an AFA based on the French Intellectual Property Code, which allows customs authorities to set up the surveillance of goods on national territory. In other words, the authorities may detain goods that have already cleared customs and that are now in free circulation.
This AFA is complementary to the one filed under Regulation (EU) 608/2013 and can be filed simultaneously, by completing this form and uploading it in the Company Information / Document Portfolio (File Category ‘Other documents’) so it can be included in Step1 of the AFA request as an attachment. You can find more information at the French customs webpage.
Resources
Instructions for legal representatives to obtain an account in the IP Enforcement Portal (pdf)
Filing a customs application for action (AFA) in IPEP - which steps to take (Infographic)
IPEP Tutorial- How to enter the product information (video)
10 Key Considerations when filing AFAs (ppt)
IPEP Tutorial-How to file a customs AFA (video)
User guide on filing and managing AFAs in IPEP (pdf)
IPEP Tutorial - How to file an AFA extension request (video)
Join our next demo and Q&A session on the IP Enforcement Portal
Our next live demo and Q&A session for rights holders and legal representatives will take place on 23 May at 15:00 CET.
IPEP opening up to e-commerce marketplaces
03 May 2023
e-Commerce marketplaces can now use IPEP to access information on IP rights and contact points from relevant rights holders.
A communication platform between all parties in enforcement
The platform permits all rights holders, enforcers and the EU Commission and its EU delegations to enter informationrelated to IPR enforcement through drop-down menus in their own language.
Rights holders
Protect originals
Rights holders can protect their products against counterfeiting by sharing information on their products, IP rights and contact data with EU enforcement authorities. This will make it easier for enforcers to recognise originals from fake goods (on the basis of information such as packaging, identifiers, logistics), contact the rights holders if needed and take action.
Report IPR infringement cases in third countries to the EU Commission (DG Trade)
Including information on the procedures chosen to enforce these cases so that the Commission is aware of the IPR landscape in these countries and can adapt their strategy.
File and manage customs’ Application for Action (AFA) electronically
This legal document is necessary for any customs administration to take action on your behalf on products counterfeiting your IP rights.
Receive an overview of the IP infringement landscape in countries outside of the EU
To better understand the landscape in a specific country to shape your business strategy there more effectively.
Multilingual exchange
The tool permits all users to enter information through drop-down menus in their own language. The same information can be viewed in any of the 23 languages of the EU.
As a right holder you will need a valid registered trade mark or a valid registered design within the European Union. Legal representatives can request an account for their clients, indicating a trade mark or design (European Union or national). Legal representatives can have a “legal representative” account to have access to their clients` account with their own credentials.
Enforcers
Information exchange with rights holders on specific cases
The tool allows the exchange of key information between rights holders and enforcement authorities to help distinguish between original and fake goods. Customs and police officers can use the information in the tool to recognise counterfeited goods and contact the rights holders to discuss a case.
Statistics on detentions
The tool contains data on the detentions of articles that are suspected of infringing intellectual property at borders and in the internal market. With this you can report and follow your own authority’s activity.
Alerts on trends
Enforcers can receive alerts from rights holders on new trends or on a specific case from which enforcers can take action.
Reports
All authorities’ data is converted into a harmonised format so that it can be compared and aggregated, allowing further analysis and the creation of individualised reports. The tool provides simple reports to analyse trends. Ad hoc reports on data analysis and EU trends will be prepared to help enforcers target their work.
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