ECTA is looking forward to welcoming many colleagues at its 39^th Annual Conference ‘Waltzing with IP’ on 21-22 October 2021, this year in a hybrid format. For safety reasons, this prestigious European IP event will be organised either in Vienna for a limited number of participants and online. We have ensured a very engaging programme with most distinguished guests and speakers such as WIPO Director General Daren Tang: find out what you may expect and register soon!

We are happy to invite all IP colleagues to the ECTA 39th Annual Conference ‘Waltzing with IP’ on 21-22 October, a hybrid event in the magnificent city of Vienna. While a limited group will attend the meeting in person, strictly complying with all safety measures set by the Austrian Health Authorities, a virtual conferencing platform will be provided to allow other ECTA friends to participate remotely.

As we keenly missed holding our Conference last year, we have worked even harder to build a captivating Conference programme to ensure intensive networking and learning opportunities on the latest IP developments. Let me give you a peek!

On Wednesday, 13 October we will start by offering two workshops exclusively online as part of the ‘Conference package’, to let our attendees learn more about next enforcement challenges, useful IT tools and the latest developments in the Trade Mark Offices practice. We have composed a distinguished panel of speakers from different countries and backgrounds who will give you a wide overview and deepen your knowledge in such relevant IP aspects.

Thursday, 21 October will be fully dedicated to ECTA Supervisory Board and Committee meetings. While Supervisory Board will discuss ECTA strategic aspects, Committee meetings will be an invaluable chance to network with peers, work on Committee projects and exchange on latest case law, legislative and policy developments. Besides, this evening, we will enjoy a first taste of local cuisine at the reception in our hotel, the Hilton.

Friday, 22 October will be an immersive educational and networking day where recent developments and ambitious plans for the future of IP rights will be unveiled by most distinguished guests and speakers, such as WIPO Director General Daren Tang. After a welcome by our ECTA President Anette Rasmussen, members of the Local Organising Committee and myself, we will look closely at the latest IP news and trends with a focus on the IP Action Plan for the European Commission and news from WIPO and EUIPO. We will then proceed with a session dedicated to brand ethics, goodwill and reputation and another one on the conflict of interest. After a lunch break, we will be ready for a lively round table on how to acquire clients and network online and a session on wine, marketing, and GIs, discussing the important role GIs play in communicating with consumers. Then, as usual, our ECTA President and Professional Affairs Committee Chair will announce the winners of the ECTA Award 2021 competition both in the professional and student category. Last but not least, a familiar closing to the ECTA Annual Conference: an overview of most recent EU case law developments.

After heated discussions, it’s time for the Gala Dinner at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), surrounded by music and the warmth of the ECTA family and friends.

And now? Hurry up and Register!

Remaining onsite places are assigned on a first come-first served basis. Secure your place fast by registering via the Annual Conference section of the ECTA website or by sending an email to ecta@ecta.org! If you sign up as a non-member to attend the event in person, you will also get the opportunity to join ECTA free of charge for the rest of 2021.

We truly hope to see many friends either onsite in the stunning city of Vienna or, at least, online.

* The health and safety of our Conference participants is ECTA’s main concern, therefore, our attendees will be required to strictly comply with all Austrian COVID-19 regulations (Austrian State, Federal Government or City of Vienna) at the time of registration and at the time of travelling and participating in the event. Participants may be required to provide proof of their Covid eligibility to enter Austria and to participate in the event, if requested onsite.

Contact

ECTA

Rue des Colonies 18/24, Box 8, 8th Floor,

BE-1000, Brussels, Belgium

Tel: +32/2 513 52 85

Fax: + 32/2 513 09 14

ecta@ecta.org

www.ecta.org

Résumé of the author

Mladen Vukmir, ECTA First Vice-President, ECTA Programme Committee Chair, HR

Mladen is practicing IP law in Zagreb, Croatia, where he founded Vukmir & Associates law firm in 1991. Mladen obtained his law degree from the University of Zagreb and his Master’s degree in IP from Franklin Pierce Law. He specialises in IP, information and telecommunications law, licensing, commercial law, litigation and ADR. Among other stints, Mladen worked for the California-based law firm Fenwick & West, the Italian law firm Pavia e Ansaldo and the UNIDO. He also served as a consultant to the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Croatian Government, the World Bank, the European Commission CARDS program, and WIPO and served at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Standing Committee for Expertise. Recently, he focused primarily on strategic advising of the expanding central European businesses and he is an active mentor on the local start-up scene.