In order to support Peru, Colombia and Chile in their preparations for possible accession to the Madrid Protocol and the Hague System, representatives from these countries visited the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO - Alicante) and the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) between 18 and 22 September. The visit was organised by the IP Key Latin America project, funded by the European Union. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also collaborated in this initiative.
Interactive exchanges with selected LA IPOs, bilaterally or in small groups of IPOs with similar interests, focusing on convergence of examination practices (Common Practices) and IP tools on trademarks and designs, including participation of EU experts and presentations from Latin American countries.
More than 280 participants joined a successful Virtual Workshop on Color Marks and Bad Faith Applications for two days of information sessions and online discussions on September 25 and 26.
New technologies are emerging in the healthcare industry and strongly influence the way we experience medical services. The European Patent Office (EPO) published recent statistics that show a total of 14 295 European patent applications were filed in 2020 in medical technology (MedTech). This represents a rise of 2.6 % from the previous year, making it the highest application sector.
In an effort to strengthen the protection of plant variety rights in Latin America, this important webinar took place on November 27th and 28th. The virtual seminar, aimed at officials from plant variety offices in the region, provided a significant platform for delving into the complex landscape of the enforcement of plant variety rights (PVRs).
The inaugural seminar on plant varieties in Ecuador, organised by IP Key LA, took place on 8 and 9 June in Tabacundo, the country's flower-growing region. The event was a success, welcoming 53 participants, including small flower growers, breeders, lawyers, and officials from the Andean Community.
From July 12th to 14th, 2023, the international seminar on "Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin in the Andean Community" took place in Cusco, Peru.
External experts will be engaged to monitor and report on the following, among others: