Event Preview: Designing the future: ECTA’s 40TH Annual Conference
Boasting a strong design tradition, Copenhagen is the ideal backdrop for the ECTA (previously known as European Communities Trademark Association) 40th Conference theme of ‘Designing the Future’, as creativity and great minds come together to solve and discuss the challenges of tomorrow.
After the success of last year’s reduced-sized hybrid conference in Vienna, we are looking forward to bringing back this edition at its full-speed and usual format with intensive networking, learning opportunities … and some upgraded features. On Wednesday, June 8, we will kickstart by offering two workshops exclusively online as part of the Conference package. Our attendees will learn more about the practical, ethical aspects and professional responsibility of using AI tools in the IP arena.
Also, besides the traditional legal tools, we will find out which communication tools contemporary counsels need to have in their quiver.
Wednesday, June 15 will be fully dedicated to ECTA Supervisory Board and Committee meetings. While the 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.
To close the day, there will be a welcome gathering with all participants at Langelinie Pavillonen.
Thursday, June 16, will be the first of two immersive educational and networking days with the most distinguished guests and speakers. We will look closely at developments and plans for the future of IP rights, data and other intangibles, fashion, and design and how to prepare a lawyer for interest-based solutions dispute management. To get first-time attendees acquainted, we are planning a dedicated reception, to be followed by a gourmet taste of Danish cuisine with all participants at the Royal Playhouse.
We continue on Friday, June 17, with a breakfast for in-house counsel and parallel sessions to double the morning’s educational offer. As one cannot design the future without looking at the past, we will learn more about the history of ECTA and IP profession in light of the practical issues for new generations, as well as about licensing, IP and start-ups.
”We will look closely at developments and plans for the future of IP rights.” - Mladen Vukmir
Designed especially for new practitioners, we will also offer a session on trademark evidence in appeal proceedings, and tips and tricks based on examples and experience.
The ECTA President Anette Rasmussen will then announce the winners of the ECTA Award 2022, a competition for IP professionals and students, after which the last two sessions will be dedicated to the role of IP in the restaurant industry and EU case-law updates.
The conference hotel of Scandic Copenhagen will offer a unique location to explore the city. On Wednesday and Thursday, a short bus ride will take participants to the Copenhagen seaside (Langelinie Pavillonen and Royal Playhouse).
On Friday, as the venue is within walking distance, we will walk and talk as we head towards the Wallmans Circus Building for the gala dinner, where a unique show will be waiting for you.
Would you like to enhance your Conference trip further? You can participate with your ECTA friends in one of the Saturday excursions offered to discover all the must-sees in beautiful Copenhagen, such as the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House, the colourful harbour district of Nyhavn, the Old Stock Exchange, the Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle and Tivoli Gardens.
The more curious can also attend a day trip to Roskilde and learn more about the Viking story. Get ready for another extraordinary ECTA Conference!.
Mladen Vukmir is ECTA first vice-president, ECTA programme committee chair, HR. He can be contacted at: ecta@ecta.org
