Industrial Property and its contribution to Marca España

The eighth edition of the course organised by the Spanish Patents and Trademark Office (OEPM) and the Universidad International Menéndez y Pelayo (UIMP) on Industrial Property was held in the month of July. It was opened by the Under-Secretary of Industry, Energy and Tourism and President of the OEPM. Also present were the High Commissioner for Marca España, the President of the European Patent Office (EPO) and a representative from the President’s Cabinet in the Office for Harmonisation of the Internal Market (OHIM).

Intangible assets: patents, trademarks and designs
During the various sessions, discussions were held on the contributions being made by various Spanish enterprises to the creation and consolidation of the Marca España by means of proper management of their intangible assets – patents, trademarks and designs.

The second day was devoted to analysis of the profitability of a “Country Trademark” and to how innovation can boost the image of Europe. Talks were given by the President of the Leading Brands of Spain Forum and the Vice-President of the European Patent Office.

During the third day, representatives of MANGO and the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (Federación Española de Industrias de Alimentación y Bebidas – FIAB) analysed the reputation and internationalisation of Spanish companies. The role of innovation and protection by patents was discussed by two Spanish companies that are in the forefront of their respective fields of technology, TALGO and GAMESA. The subject of the last day was industrial design, involving participation by representatives from the MUSTANG and LLADRÓ firms. The course was closed by the Director General of the OEPM.

A number of successful cases were discussed, which showed that, in order for Spanish companies to improve their competitiveness in global markets, they must make strategic use of the instruments for the protection of Industrial Property. These can be a factor for differentiation and specialisation and, in turn, can lead to improved performance of the Spanish production system in the long term.

The presentations are available at the following link: Curso_UIMP_2013