New EUIPO chief named, say reports
Head of organisation’s Board of Appeal reportedly prevails over INTA CEO in closely watched race | Successful candidate will replace Christian Archambeau.
João Negrão has today emerged as victor in the race for the post of executive director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office ( EUIPO), following a vote by the EU council, according to reports.
Negrão won 19 votes against the eight secured by the Franco-Spanish candidate and current CEO of the International Trademark Association (INTA), Etienne Sanz de Acedo, reported Spanish media.
The Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal confirmed the development on Twitter and extended congratulations to the Portuguese national.
“We congratulate Dr. João Negrão, who has just been elected executive director of @EU_IPO. “It is with great satisfaction that we see our Strategy for European Careers bearing fruit, reinforcing the presence of Portuguese people in important positions in European institutions.”
He is set to replace Christian Archambeau, who is due to leave the role in September.
Negrão is currently president of the EUIPO Boards of Appeal, a post he has held since 2020.
Before this role, he served as director of the international cooperation and legal affairs department at the EUIPO, a post he assumed in 2011.
Under his direction, the EUIPO expanded its European cooperation with the national and regional intellectual property offices of the EU, creating the European Union Intellectual Property Network, and investing in advanced IT systems and tools to modernise the IP landscape in the EU.
He led the creation of the convergence programme, which harmonises practices at EU level, and oversaw the expansion of the EUIPO’s international cooperation activities.
From 2010 to 2011, he held the post of head of the president’s cabinet at the EUIPO.
Prior to joining the EUIPO, Negrão served as director of international relations, legal affairs and promotion of innovation at the Portuguese Office of Intellectual Property (INPI).
Negrão emerged in pole position for the top role at a meeting of the EU agency’s management board in Alicante last month, where he received 15 votes, against 10 for Sanz de Acedo and five for Andrea Di Carlo.
The Czech representative to the EU also lauded Negrão’s appointment on Twitter.
“Congratulations to João Negrão who has just been selected as the new Executive Director of @EU_IPO. Looking forward to a fruitful collaboration regarding Intellectual Property agenda as of 1st October this year when he will assume his function!”
WIPR has approached the EUIPO for comment.
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