Launch of the Targeted consultation on the future of the International IP SME helpdesk in China, South-east Asia, Latin America and India

Submitted by ECCP Team on 21 January 2025

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DG GROW has launched a targeted consultation on the functioning of the international intellectual property (IP) SME helpdesk (China, South East Asia, Latin America and India) aimed at gathering input from interested stakeholders to assist the Commission assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of International IP SME Helpdesk activities. In particular, if they are useful to EU SMEs present or entering foreign markets and to determine what changes, if necessary, would be appropriate to better meet their needs. It would also provide an opportunity to indicate what type of geographical location or service organisation would be most appropriate. 

This consultation is open from 20 January until 11 April 2025. 

Complete the survey here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/International-IP-SME-Helpdesks-Sur…;

Background

The International Intellectual Property (IP) Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Helpdesks have operated since 2008. There are now five International IP SME Helpdesks and they cover the following regions:

  • China (covering mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)
  • South-East Asia (SEA) (covering Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
  • Latin America (LA) (covering Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba,
  • Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela)
  • India
  • Africa (covering all African countries, out of the scope of this consultation)

They are located in the region they cover and provide assistance on local intellectual property rights rules and procedures to EU SMEs that operate or intend to access that market. The help includes a Direct Helpline, where SMEs can ask IP-related questions and receive an answer in maximum three days, as well as trainings and on-line materials such as publications and guides on IP protection.

This consultation will assist the Commission in evaluating whether the International IP SME Helpdesk initiative is useful to the EU SMEs present or entering foreign markets, and whether any changes are necessary (e.g. whether physical location in foreign countries is still necessary).

*Please note that the Africa and European IP Helpdesks are not in the scope of this evaluation. The Africa IP Helpdesk has just been operating for three years, and the European IP Helpdesk focuses only on the EU market. Nevertheless, you may share with us your experience with the Africa Helpdesk, as this can help us improving the services provided by the other helpdesks.

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