The first Cooperation Board Executive Plenary concluded in Balatonfüred

The inaugural Cooperation Board Executive Plenary, hosted by the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office in the scenic setting of Balatonfüred, brought together leaders of national intellectual property offices and senior representatives of the European Union Intellectual Property Office for two days of strategic dialogue on the future of intellectual property in Europe.

The event marked the launch of a new cooperation format within the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN), designed to move beyond formal exchanges and strengthen practical collaboration among IP offices. Among the distinguished participants were João Negrão (Executive Director of the EU Intellectual Property Office), Pascal Faure (Chief Executive Officer of the French Patent and Trademark Office) and Szabolcs Farkas (President of the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office), alongside heads and senior representatives of national IP offices from across Europe.

Across the two-day programme, participants engaged in thematic plenary discussions and breakout sessions addressing some of the most pressing and forward-looking topics shaping the IP landscape. Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies featured prominently, with hands-on “AI stations/booths” showcasing innovative tools and practical applications that may transform IP procedures in the years ahead.

Another key focus was the growing importance of IP valuation and IP-backed finance. Discussions explored how intellectual property assets can become more visible and actionable in financial decision-making, helping innovative businesses unlock new growth opportunities. Participants also exchanged views on the strategic use of IP data, future financing mechanisms, and evidence-based policymaking.

The programme further addressed topics such as SME support, inclusiveness in the IP system, youth engagement, and geographical indications, reflecting a shared ambition to build a more accessible, resilient, and innovation-driven IP ecosystem across Europe.

One of the key takeaways of the meeting was clear: the strength of the EUIPN lies not only in technical expertise, but also in trust, openness, and a shared willingness to learn from one another. The Cooperation Board Executive Plenary demonstrated the value of turning cooperation into a genuine “innovation laboratory” - a space where ideas, best practices, and future-oriented solutions can be developed together.

As host of this inaugural edition, HIPO was proud to contribute to shaping this new chapter of European IP cooperation. The first Cooperation Board Executive Plenary may have come to an end, but the discussions launched in Balatonfüred will undoubtedly continue - making this the first, but certainly not the last, gathering of its kind.

Photos: EUIPO