Study visits to the EUIPO

From 22 to 24 November 2021, Sakpatenti staff visited the EUIPO’s premises in Alicante on a study trip. This visit allowed Sakpatenti representatives to meet with selected departments to familiarise themselves with the EUIPO’s procedures as a high performing IP office.

During the first 2 years of its implementation, the EU-Georgia Intellectual Property Project (EUGIPP) has been supporting Sakpatenti by organising online meetings between the Georgian office and several EUIPO departments. This visit was the perfect opportunity to meet some other departments and to focus on those areas where face-to-face meetings are preferred.

After a warm welcome from the management of the International Cooperation Service, visitors met with the Operations Department examiners to get an insight into how decisions first instance decisions are drafted. They also met with representatives of the Boards of Appeal to look at the different workflows, processes, decision drafting and IT support tools. Experts from the Litigation Service presented their role of representing the EUIPO before the General Court and the Court of Justice, while lawyers from the Legal Department shared their practical experience with the WIPO DAS system. Furthermore, the Communication Service department shared best practices on external and internal communication campaigns.

In view of developing new activities for the next project annual work plan, the Observatory presented the management of a stakeholder network, the methodology of specific studies, enforcement tools, and the latest developments in the field of IP and education. Moreover, to support Sakpatenti in enhancing its HR policies and structure, the Human Resources Department shared experiences on recruitment, performance management system and career development. The Sakpatenti staff also learned about how the Academy provides the EUIPO’s learning products, activities and services.

This study visit was an important achievement of the current work plan, which contributed to building synergies and strengthening the cooperation between the EUIPO and Sakpatenti. Based on the outcomes of the study visit, the EUGIPP will continue to deliver activities to support Sakpatenti in their efforts to enhance the Georgian IP landscape for the benefit of users.