The EUIPN plays an important role  as a central hub for cooperation between the national and regional IP offices, international partners, and users. Over the past decade, the network has facilitated the development of digital tools such as TMview and DesignView, and the implementation of common practices within the EU, enhancing administrative efficiency and accessibility. The EUIPO’s Strategic Plan 2030 (SP2030) builds on this foundation, emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration to optimize capacity, improve sustainability, and increase efficiency across the IP ecosystem. 

A key new component of this transformation is the introduction of next-generation European Cooperation Projects (ECPs) and thematic Virtual Communities. These initiatives aim to establish common examination standards and deliver tangible benefits to IP users. The first virtual communities, launched in February 2025, brought together over 200 experts from EU IP offices, user associations, and international organizations. By 2026, a total of 19 such communities will be operational, focusing on areas including the standardization of geographical indications, digital service modernization, and alignment of IP registration procedures across EU member states.

The EUIPO’s vision also extends beyond the EU, with the goal of establishing international “IP Alliances.” This initiative seeks to foster global cooperation among like-minded and forward-looking organizations to find high-impact solutions to global challenges, such as emerging technologies, sustainability, and inclusivity.

The IP Alliances initiative aims to enhance visibility and strategic alignment on key topics relevant to the IP community, as outlined in the SP2030. It brings together the EUIPO and international stakeholders to foster global collaboration and visibility of the work done in areas such as technology, AI, data, IP-backed finance, sustainability and inclusiveness. 

Key priorities for the IP Alliances include: 

• New Technologies & AI: Addressing legal and operational questions related to AI-generated works, such as inventorship and design attribution, while exploring the use of AI technologies to enhance the quality of our services. 

• Inclusivity and sustainability: Developing strategies to expand access to IP systems for underrepresented groups, including women, entrepreneurs, and younger innovators, through mentorship, education, and targeted outreach. 

• IP finance: Promoting collaboration with key stakeholders to foster better valuation and use of IP as a financial asset. A key focus is on enabling companies, particularly SMEs, to use their IP rights as collateral to access funding. The Alliance supports the creation of common methodologies, benchmarking studies, and strategic engagement with financial sector entities to strengthen the credibility and adoption of these approaches

The transition from a network to a community-based model focusing on key challenges reflects the EUIPO’s commitment to shaping a cohesive, forward-looking global IP ecosystem. By fostering structured collaboration, where stakeholders can share expertise and valuable practices, the strategic initiative aims to address complex global challenges through mutual engagement and knowledge exchange. While the process involves navigating diverse priorities and operational complexities, the EUIPO’s forward-looking focus on technology, people, and IP business value topics underscores its role in shaping a more equitable and efficient global IP framework. 

The efforts represent a significant step toward aligning IP systems with the demands of a rapidly evolving technological and environmental landscape, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation in achieving shared goals.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/strengthening-international-ip-cooperation-european-virtual-communities-and-international-ip-alliances