European Cooperation: New Project Support Office

Within the framework of the European Cooperation Projects, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, O.A. (OEPM), with the support of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), has defined a set of structured processes for improving project management.

As a result of this collaboration, the OEPM has created the Project Support Office (OAP) to maintain and update processes and templates, support project management, monitor key performance indicators, and improve the flow of information.

The project management framework is based on the PRINCE2 methodology, which has been adapted to fit the organizational environment of the OEPM. The new system will provide significant benefits, including:

• better alignment of projects with the strategic objectives of the office;
• greater clarity and predictability of project management processes and project results;
• better information management and decision making.

Once operational, the OAP will play a critical role in the implementation of the new office strategic plan. At the same time, the OAP will help to keep the activities related to the strategic plan under control and to ensure that the expected results are achieved, which would mean an improvement in the quality of the Office's activity.