The European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights

The European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights is a network of public and private sector experts and stakeholders, which has been set up to promote discussion, research, training, communication, the creation of advanced IT support tools and the spread of best practice on IP matters.

Following the EU’s decision to entrust OHIM with the Observatory, which took effect on 5 June, 2012, a comprehensive consultation of stakeholders is under way in order to allow the priority tasks and activities of the Observatory to be reviewed and updated to take account of changes in the economic and social landscape.

OHIM believes that the Observatory’s main working philosophy should be first "to know", second "to understand", and only then "to act" – an approach strongly supported by Commissioner Barnier during his visit to the Office in February 2012.

The intention is to ensure that the Observatory is recognised as a credible, transparent and inclusive body capable of providing independent and evidence-based contributions. It must be a platform for exchange, where everyone’s voice and everyone’s views are shared – a true think tank on IP for the EU.