IP offices and cooperation partners gathered in Alicante on 20–21 October 2026 for the first Cooperation Board (CB) Working Sessions. The two-day meeting provided an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation, exchange expertise and discuss shared priorities, including emerging technologies, data, international partnerships, geographical indications and the work of Virtual Communities. 

The revamped CB framework, introduced under the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) Strategic Plan (SP2030), provides a more structured setting for cooperation, coordination and knowledge exchange between IP offices and other relevant stakeholders. It consists of two complementary components: the Executive Plenary, focused on strategic discussions, and dedicated Working Sessions, designed to facilitate more practical and in-depth exchanges. This framework aims to improve the coherence of cooperation initiatives, foster knowledge-sharing and ensure that joint activities deliver lasting benefits for IP offices and users.

Supporting coordinated action

Following the first CB Executive Plenary held on 5-6 May in Hungary, the October sessions provided a dedicated forum for technical and operational exchanges. While the Executive Plenary in May addressed strategic priorities, the Working Sessions offered an opportunity to take a closer look at ongoing cooperation activities, assess their implementation and progress, and discuss future priorities for the CB.

Discussions covered the draft EUIPN Dashboard as a future public resource for monitoring trademark and design registration data, alongside international cooperation and the IP Alliance, including coordination with candidate and EFTA countries and across EU-funded projects.

Exchanges on craft and industrial geographical indications (CIGIs) explored how to further strengthen and leverage their potential, nearly one year after the implementation of the CIGI system, national mapping, and opportunities for promotion and awareness-raising activities.

Participants also followed up on the work of the Virtual Communities, which met at the end of September, taking stock of progress, sharing lessons learned and exchanging views on new Common Practice topics.

AI featured prominently in the Working Sessions, looking beyond the broader strategic debate to explore its practical implications. Participants exchanged experiences, considered current and emerging needs, and reflected on areas where closer cooperation and knowledge sharing could support the effective use of AI across the network.

Source：European Union Intellectual Property Office；2026-10-21；https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/first-cooperation-board-working-sessions-put-the-new-euipn-framework-into-practice

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