ARIPO IP Offices and AfrIPI reinforce cooperation agreement
The study visit from December 12 to 14, 2023, in Alicante, Spain, provided a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. The participants acknowledged the vital role of trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications in driving economic development in the ARIPO region and the European Union.
During the visit, the ARIPO and EUIPO representatives reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications. The focus was on delivering high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services to the business community, mainly to the region's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
One of the key highlights of the study visit was the exchange of views on the upcoming EUIPO Strategic Plan 2030 and the ARIPO Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) initiatives. The discussions aimed to align the priorities of both organisations under their respective strategic and action plans, ensuring a coordinated approach to IP development.
The participants also evaluated the progress of the 2023 Annual Work Plan of the AfrIPI project and laid the groundwork for the upcoming 2024 Annual Work Plan. They expressed their commitment to completing all planned activities, which include initiatives to enhance IP systems, promote innovation, and protect traditional knowledge and cultural heritage in the ARIPO region.
Recognising the achievements made under the AfrIPI project, the participants commended the commitment of ARIPO IP Offices and the Secretariat in jointly managing and maintaining the ARIPO Member States' IT tools developed under the project. They emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and identified potential areas of interest and initiatives for a follow-up phase of AfrIPI, starting from 2025.
The study visit concluded with the adoption of a joint summary on December 14, 2023. This summary encapsulates the shared commitment of the ARIPO IP Offices, the ARIPO Secretariat, and the EUIPO to deepen collaboration, improve intellectual property rights protection, and ensure a balanced and highly effective IP system in the ARIPO region. The summary also highlights the positive outcomes of the study visit and the determination to promote economic growth and support stakeholders, particularly SMEs, through enhanced IP protection and utilisation.
- Joint summary study visit to the EUIPO [PDF – 0.6 MB]
