The first edition of the EUIPO Cooperation Board (CB) Working Sessions was held in Alicante, Spain, on 20-21 October 2026, dedicated to the implementation of the new cooperation framework of the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN).

The event brought together representatives of intellectual property offices and cooperation partners, providing a platform for the exchange of experience, the assessment of joint initiatives and the identification of priorities for the development of European cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

The new framework of the Cooperation Board, established in the context of the EUIPO Strategic Plan SP2030, aims to strengthen coordination between intellectual property offices, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices and ensure a more structured and efficient approach to joint initiatives. It comprises two complementary components: Executive Plenary meetings, focused on strategic priorities, and Working Sessions, dedicated to the technical and operational aspects of cooperation.

The October meeting agenda included topical issues for the field of intellectual property, such as the development of tools for monitoring trademark and design registration data, international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with EU candidate countries and EFTA states.

Participants also addressed opportunities for exploiting craft and industrial geographical indications, the work of the EUIPN Virtual Communities and the development of common practices. An important place in the discussions was occupied by artificial intelligence, analyzing the practical implications of its use in the field of intellectual property, emerging needs and possibilities for deepening the exchange of experience between the participating offices.

Participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European dialogue on intellectual property

The State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) was represented at the meeting by Liliana Vieru, Head of the Promotion and International Relations Directorate, who participated in the discussions on the priorities and prospects of European cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

In her speech, the AGEPI representative expressed her appreciation for the invitation addressed to the Republic of Moldova to participate in this meeting and thanked EUIPO for the constant support provided to our country in advancing the European integration agenda.

At the same time, Liliana Vieru presented the latest developments of the Republic of Moldova in the process of accession to the European Union, underlining the importance of intensifying cooperation with the EUIPO and the national intellectual property offices of the EU Member States, in the context of the new stage of accession negotiations. Referring to the importance of this support, the AGEPI representative stated:

“We are particularly grateful to the EUIPO for the continuous support provided in promoting the European integration agenda of the Republic of Moldova. This support has become even more important following the decision of 13 October on the opening of negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for Cluster 2 – Internal Market, which includes Chapter 7 – Intellectual Property Law. For the Republic of Moldova, this marks the beginning of a new, particularly important stage in the process of accession to the European Union, in which cooperation with the EUIPO and the national intellectual property offices of the EU Member States becomes essential.”

For AGEPI, strengthening relations with EUIPO and the national intellectual property offices of the European Union Member States represents a strategic direction of cooperation, with direct relevance for the alignment of national legislation and practices with the European Union acquis and for the achievement of the commitments undertaken under Chapter 7 “Intellectual Property Law”.