The EUIPO’s Management Board and Budget Committee are made up of representatives from the EU Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament. Representatives from the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, the European Patent Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Community Plant Variety Office and user associations attend as observers during the non-confidential parts of the meetings.

During the Management Board meeting, the Members elected a new Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Stefan Harasek, who took up his duties on 19 November 2025.

During the Management Board and Budget Committee (MB/BC) Joint Meeting, the Members were updated on the implementation of the Office and Board of Appeal’s activities in 2025, as well as on the progress made under the 2021-2026 Boards of Appeal Action Plan. During this session, MB/BC Members congratulated the Office on the results achieved so far and expressed appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the Office’s staff in delivering these outcomes.

Furthermore, the Members authorised the Office to implement an additional set of activities that are eligible for refund under the 2026 SME Fund initiative and to take the necessary steps to amend the multiannual contribution agreement with the European Commission. The Budget Committee also authorised the Office to establish the necessary budget mechanisms to use the Office’s financial reserves.

The Members also adopted the 2026 Annual Work Programme, which sets out the different workstreams that the Office intends to carry out next year.

Further decisions were taken related to the distribution of the offsetting amount for the 2024 budgetary year, and the Members were briefed on the status of the legislative initiatives proposed by the Commission and other EU Presidencies.

During the Budget Committee meeting, Members were briefed on the 2025 Budget implementation, updated on the state of play of the Office’s Treasury Management and ultimately approved the Office’s 2026 Budget of EUR 530 477 004.61.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/the-euipo-s-management-board-and-budget-committee-meetings-took-place-from-18-to-20-november-at-the-euipo