• The SPTO 2017-2020 Strategic Plan on the subject of Industrial Property
• The SPTO's experience as a new arrival at the Madrid Book Fair
• One-day event to present the New Patent Law: Report and Sessions
• Report on the 139th annual meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA)
• Prize Ceremony for the "Emprende con Marca" Poster Design competition

Report on the 139th annual meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA)

The 139th meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) was held in Barcelona from 20 to 24 May this year. The meeting takes place once a year in a different location each time. This year’s venue was the “Fira Gran Vía Barcelona” trade fair, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from a range of countries and attended by around 10,600 people.

The INTA membership includes more than 7,000 organisations from 190 countries. These organisations represent some 30,000 professional experts in processing Industrial Property Rights, including trademarks, patents and designs aimed at protecting consumers. INTA members also include companies owning large corporation trademarks, small and medium sized enterprises, law firms, non-profit organisations as well as individuals, teachers and students.The purpose of the meeting is to exchange experiences with other companies in the sector and the event also has a commercial side, providing a great opportunity for making contact with potential new customers. While the event was running, a series of lectures and sessions were held on various aspects connected with protecting Industrial Property Rights associated with trademarks and the process of obtaining them. There was also an exhibition area with stands for companies taking part in the event.

The SPTO was at the event with a stand and led a round table discussion on “fake invoices”, which was also attended by other Industrial Property Offices, specifically the Swedish Patent and Registration Office, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the UK Intellectual Property Office.

The SPTO also took part in a session that was open to all congress delegates, featuring presentations on the topic of electronic registration and quality. It was given by Colombian (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio) and Australian (IP Australia) Industrial Property Offices. The SPTO contributed by describing its education initiatives in the area of Industrial Property.