The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) manages the registration of EU trademarks and designs to ensure effective protection for businesses and individuals across the EU. Recognising the importance of intellectual property for business development, EUIPO and EURADA signed aMemorandum of Understanding in 2021, and established an annual webinar to provide training, share knowledge, and facilitate discussions on intellectual property. This initiative is designed to help RDAs better assist SMEs, especially in light of the growing importance of protecting intellectual property in the digital age.
This year’s session is scheduled for 16 May 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 CEST, and will focus on the protection of traditional EU craft and industrial products under the newly adopted geographical indications (GI) framework, this topic being introduced by Franciska Schönherr from EUIPO's Business Operations Department. For regional development agencies, supporting GI initiatives can be a strategic tool to foster inclusive, place-based economic development while preserving local identity and traditions.
Additionally, Francesca Cerri, from the same department, will present the SME Fund 2025, a financial support program that aims to assist SMEs in protecting their intellectual property rights, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and fostering innovation.
The event will also feature interactive brainstorming sessions designed to collect valuable input and address the specific needs of each of the participants in the online webinar.
