The EUIPO hosts study visit for OAPI IT officers: A collaborative step towards advancing intellectual property management

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has hosted a three-day study visit for Information Technology (IT) officers from the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) at its headquarters in Alicante, Spain. The EUIPO owes this recognition, inter alia, to its pioneering initiatives in the area of IT, cementing its position as a leader in digital transformation and technological advancement in the IP world.

The visit, which took place from 26-28 November 2024, was organised under the framework of the EU-funded Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) project. The EUIPO's expertise in intellectual property management and advanced systems was shared with the OAPI IT staff, with the aim of strengthening OAPI's intellectual property (IP) management processes. During the visit, the OAPI IT staff presented an overview of their current online services, front and back-office systems, and future development plans. This presentation set the stage for in-depth exchanges, the provision of detailed insights into the EUIPO's online services, security systems, and a demonstration of the EUIPO's state-of-the-art tools.

Special emphasis was placed on the technical aspects overseen by the EUIPO's IT department, the Digital Innovation Department (DID), providing a comprehensive understanding of the EUIPO's operations. The program included a visit to the EUIPO’s IT colleagues, where the participants engaged in productive roundtable discussions to explore potential synergies between the two organisations and identified key areas for future cooperation. The DID is responsible for all activities and operations related to the implementation of the digital strategy of the EUIPO, including new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and IT tools, their definition, operation, and later adaptations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the EUIPO's strategic vision, which is manifested through the creation of an AI steering group of top managers and the provision of several AI driven tools (e.g. TMview) that support both staff and users. The EUIPO is cooperating with many other organizations, including national and regional IP Offices, EU institutions, and other strategic stakeholders, to share knowledge, exchange expertise, avoid duplication, and support the drive to innovation with AI solutions that are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and easy to share.

The EUIPO's collaboration with the OAPI is part of a broader initiative to modernise regional IP systems, foster knowledge exchange, and advance their shared mission of enhancing IP services and promoting innovation. By sharing its expertise and best practices, the EUIPO supports the development of IP systems in Africa and promotes the protection of IP rights across the continent.