ETMD EP

In line with its strategic plan 2016-2020, the EUIPO established the EUIPO Trade Mark and Design Education Programme (ETMD EP) where the objective was to increase the knowledge of the legal framework of European Union trademarks and Community designs for both practitioners and paralegals.

In this connection the preparation for the 1^st edition of a new ETMD Education Programme intended for paralegals was initiated in 2021, and in EPIPA we were honored and excited to be asked to nominate, from among our members, representatives to the Advisory Committee and the Examination Board who work in cooperation with the EUIPO to this day. More than 230 participants from across Europe have already completed the paralegal programme.

Going forward, the EUIPO will organize the two programmes biannually and up next in autumn 2026 is the practitioners' programme. The paralegal edition will return 2027. The theoretical course materials such as taped sessions, tutorials and e-Learning will be available for all online, while skill acquisition consisting of IP Labs, workshops and exam recognition will be for programme participants.

In the 4th edition (2025) EPIPA was represented by Stine Nørgaard Axelsen from our Danish member association DAIPA (Examination Board paralegal programme), Camilla Udd from the Finnish Association of Intellectual Property Administrators (Advisory Committee) and Vicky Maynard from the UK CIPA IP Paralegals Committee (Examination Board practitioners programme).

More information is available on the website of EUIPO: ETMD EP for paralegals web page.