How can intellectual property (IP) boost Europe's competitiveness? That's what AmCham EU asked on Tuesday, 13 and Wednesday, 14 May, during a delegation to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, Spain. During the visit, delegates met with EUIPO leadership to discuss trends in IP filings, business promotion activities and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Participants also covered IP enforcement trends, the new EU design framework, the role of alternative dispute resolution in IP and EUIPO’s initiatives on copyright and artificial intelligence. Throughout the visit, participants highlighted the need to foster creativity and strengthen IP protection to support Europe's innovation landscape. 

On Tuesday, 29 April, AmCham EU marked World Intellectual Property (IP) Day with a session focused on the role of IP in Europe's innovation landscape. The discussion reinforced the importance of strong copyright frameworks in fostering creativity, driving growth and supporting competitiveness across the Single Market. Attendees heard about the need for forward-looking IP policies that can respond to technological advancements and shifting global dynamics, ensuring that Europe remains an innovation leader in an increasingly connected and competitive world. 

The panel was moderated by Elizabeth Crossick (RELX), Vice-Chair, Intellectual Property Committee, AmCham EU and included Hannes Heide, MEP (S&D, AT); Olivia Regnier, Senior Director, European Policy, Spotify and Dr Nicole Schulze, Secretary-General, Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF).

The EU’s proposed Compulsory Licensing Regulation risks mandating the disclosure of sensitive information, potentially harming innovators and undermining global efforts to counter forced tech transfers. Companies also need independent judicial oversight and narrowly tailored licensing that would safeguard IP rights and investor confidence. Learn why policymakers must address these issues to ensure a balanced IP framework.

Companies of all sizes rely on predictable and reliable intellectual property (IP) frameworks. The European Union has proposed changes to the Compulsory Licensing (CL) Regulation in order to address the existing gaps in Europe’s IP environment.  As the trilogues on the Regulation begin, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU wishes to highlight key concerns with the current text of the regulation, specifically with the position of the European Parliament. Although the European Parliament’s position seeks to include certain safeguards on trade secrets, strong concerns remain regarding the potential mandatory disclosure of trade secrets and know-how. If implemented, such disclosures would irrevocably harm innovators. AmCham EU urges policymakers to take these considerations into account, as well as others outlined in the letter, to ensure a fairer and more workable IP system in Europe.

Ahead of World Intellectual Property Day 2024 we looked at how intellectual property (IP) can help us in reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On Thursday, 25 March, we were joined by Lisa Jorgenson, Deputy Director-General, Patents and Technology, World Intellectual Property Organization who shared more about the role that IP plays in building a more sustainable future. By fostering innovation, IP has a crucial role in achieving the SDGs and advancing global wellbeing. 

During the morning, we also heard from Chris Gow, Senior Director, EU Public Policy, Cisco and Marco Richter, Global Head, Customer Success, LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. 

On Tuesday, 26 March, we dove into what intellectual property (IP) developments we can expect following the upcoming elections in Europe and the US. During a panel discussion, attendees heard why clear IP protection rights are needed to foster innovation and competitiveness. Afterwards, Antonios Nestoras, Deputy Executive Director, European Liberal Forum shared his views on why strong ties with likeminded partners are needed more than ever before. During both sections, collaboration was the clear answer in protecting intellectual property rights and advancing global innovation. 

During the panel discussion, attendees heard from Rachel Bae, Attaché, Intellectual Property, United States Patent and Trademark Office; Patrice Pellegrino, Director, Brussels Office, European Patent Office; Simona Popa (InterDigital), Chair, Intellectual Property Committee, AmCham EU and Joanna Szychowska, Director, Far-East, Digital Trade and IP, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission. Moderating the discussion was Elizabeth Crossick (Relx), Vice-Chair, Intellectual Property Committee, AmCham EU.