On January 12, 2018, TIPO and the EUIPO signed an MOU on bilateral IPR cooperation, opening a new chapter in IPR cooperation between TIPO and the EUIPO. Under the framework of this MOU, the two sides will jointly push for cooperation in areas such as integration of information tools, personnel training, expert meetings, and optimal harmonization of practices. The two sides will also exchange views on international IPR issues, as well as on respective legislative changes and practices so as to strengthen IP systems and services.
The EU has long been Taiwan’s key trading partner. These past few years have seen steady numbers of applications filed by Taiwan residents with the EUIPO (604 trademark applications and 677 Community design applications in 2016) and EU residents with TIPO (3,556 trademark applications and 1,149 design patent applications in 2016). In particular, there is a noticeable growth in the number of design patent applications. On the basis of this MOU, the two sides will deepen mutual understanding and cooperation, which in turn will substantially benefit businesses and applicants on both ends. In the future, TIPO will develop a more solid partnership with the EUIPO through various areas of cooperation to jointly create a well-rounded environment for IP protection and provide better services to applicants.