Empowering Sustainability: IP Action Plan in the EU Promotes Technology Advancements and Fair Competition

As the world celebrates World IP Day, we take a moment to recognize the crucial role that intellectual property (IP) plays in advancing technology and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the EU and worldwide. This year’s theme of focusing on the SDGs underscores the importance of IP in guiding us towards a more fair and sustainable future.

In November 2020, the EU introduced an ambitious IP action plan to enhance IP protection and strengthen the single market, benefiting innovative businesses throughout the EU. One of its key achievements was the implementation of the unitary patent system, which harmonizes patent protection across EU countries. Another significant milestone was the introduction of the ‘patent package’ in April 2023, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the patent framework.

Additionally, new regulations have been established to provide geographical indication (GI) protection to craft and industrial products across the EU. GIs protect the authenticity of products by safeguarding names linked to specific regions, such as Herend porcelain (HU) and Donegal tweed (IE). By updating EU design protection rules, the EU is promoting design excellence, innovation, and competitiveness while ensuring fair competition in the spare parts aftermarket.

The EU has also taken steps to enhance IP enforcement by recommending measures to combat counterfeiting. The EU toolbox against counterfeiting equips companies with the necessary tools to tackle counterfeit products and safeguard their IP rights.

On World IP Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation and creativity as essential drivers of progress towards a sustainable and inclusive future for all.