ECTA (previously known as European Communities Trademark Association[This is no longer our official name.]), the European Association active in the fields of trade marks, designs, copyright and other IPRs, held its 39th Annual Conference"Waltzing with IP" in a hybrid format on October 21 to 22. While the event was attended by a large number of participants in Vienna (Austria), many IP professionals, who were prevented or preferred not to travel, had the opportunity to participate online.

The academic part of the event, opened by WIPO Director General Daren Tang, Deputy Executive Director of EUIPO Andrea Di Carlo and Head of DG Grow with the European Commission Kamil Kiljanski, was a day-long learning experience with top speakers and guests. The attendees were updated on the latest IP news and trends with a focus on SMEs and Al, EU case law developments, and many other hot IP topics such as the conflict of interest, brand ethics, and the role of geographical indications (Gls) in communicating with consumers.

Also, in pace with the times, ECTA introduced a session on soft skills, sharing some good tips on how to acquire clients and network online. The Conference was also a good opportunity for the ECTA Committees to move forward with their projects, and for the Supervisory Board to discuss ECTA's strategic aspects. Being true to the traditions of its Annual Conferences, ECTA certainly did not forget about the social aspect. After intense meetings with interesting discussions, participants toasted at the Welcome Reception on October 21 and enjoyed a mesmerising Viennese Waltz during the October 22 Gala Dinner at the Museum of Applied Arts.

The high rate of attendance, active participation and incredible enthusiasm of the attendees made it one of the largest in-person IP events this year and proved the strength of the network of professionals and friends. Next ECTA Annual Conference 'Designing the Future' will be held in Copenhagen (Denmark) on 15-18 June 2022!Registration will be open around March 2022.