Strengthening European prosecution of IPR infringement

Eurojust and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further support European prosecutors working with cases concerning violations of intellectual property rights (IPRs).

The MoU, signed at Eurojust headquarters in The Hague, will enable the further development of cooperation projects, such as joint seminars, training and intelligence, to support European prosecutors. In addition, the MoU reinforces the capacities of the European Intellectual Property Prosecutors Network (EIPPN) and formalises its role.

The MoU coincides with the release of an EUIPO report on online business models infringing IPRs. The study shows that new business models have been developed to further exploit IPR infringement. Indeed, IPRs are systematically being misused as a way to disseminate malware, carry out illegal phishing and simple fraud to the detriment of society, businesses and the ordinary user of the Internet.

The president of Eurojust, Michèle Coninsx, said: “Eurojust is committed, together with EUIPO, to supporting a multi-disciplinary approach to fighting IPR, which is a growing threat to the EU and world economies.”

The executive director of the EUIPO, António Campinos, added: “The EUIPO is committed to continue investing its efforts to expand knowledge and good practices among prosecutors dealing with IPR infringement, and welcomes the development of the EIPPN created in 2015.”