Today’s News Roundup—April 17, 2024 - International Trademark Association

INTA Submits Comments to the EU Commission’s EU-Mexico Trade Committee

On March 28, INTA provided comments to the EU Commission’s EU-Mexico Trade Committee in relation to the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in Mexico. INTA identified challenges and opportunities for strengthening the IP landscape, noting that improvements to Mexico’s IP infrastructure would help attract more investments and encourage development of small and medium-sized enterprises as vital contributors to economic growth. In terms of border measures, INTA recommended that the authorities clarify the role of each entity involved in the seizure of products and consider granting Customs the authority to seize or destroy infringing goods and making it responsible for the corresponding proceedings, which would result in a more efficient IP rights enforcement system in Mexico. The Association also encouraged customs authorities to explore sustainable alternatives in the process of the destruction of counterfeits.

~ Fernando Diaz, Policy Officer, INTA, Belgium

Final Call for INTA’s Open Innovation Challenge

We’re calling on INTA members globally to help spread the word within their networks: The Open Innovation Challenge (OIC) is open to entrepreneurs and small business owners running early-stage startups, mid-stage startups, and scale-ups. The first OIC of 2024 will held at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on Sunday, May 19. Finalists may participate virtually if they are unable to travel. The OIC is an opportunity for participants to present their innovations to a distinguished panel of judges, gain insightful feedback, build their professional network with industry leaders and like-minded entrepreneurs, win a complimentary INTA membership, and receive three hours of business and brand valuation consulting from the judges. Please share the application link with contacts in your network. The deadline for applying is April 19.

~ Cezara Talmaci, Coordinator, Content Development, INTA, USA

~ Lyonel Yu, Senior Strategist, Exhibits & Sponsorships, INTA, USA

Register Now for the INTA Foundation Sports-Themed Fundraiser

The INTA Foundation invites 2024 Annual Meeting registrants to experience the thrill of sports and philanthropy at the upcoming INTA Foundation Sports-Themed Fundraiser at the 2024 Annual Meeting. The event, which will include an auction where attendees can bid on sports-related items, aims to raise funds to help the Foundation further its mission to expand educational and professional development opportunities in IP for diverse, underrepresented populations globally.

The event will take place on May 21 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center during the 2024 Annual Meeting. The cost to attend is $100, with onsite registration available for US $125. Register today to secure your spot and immerse yourself in an afternoon of camaraderie, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

~ Stacey Sutton, Senior Associate, INTA Foundation, INTA, USA

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.