Egypt strengthens its Patent Office with the support of Spain

Support and improve the technical, institutional and visibility capabilities of the Egyptian Patent Office (EGPO). With this objective in mind, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) is leading a twenty-four month twinning programme with Egypt.  

The €1,500,000 FIIAPP-managed programme budget is financed by the European Union. The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) and the German International Legal Cooperation Foundation (IRZ) are junior programme partners.  

The twinning action has been structured through different components to achieve its aims. Firstly, a Strategic Industrial Property Plan for scientific research in Egypt is planned. Secondly, sustainable cooperation and coordination with rights holders and SMEs is to be promoted. Thirdly, EGPO systems and procedures are to be reviewed and updated in accordance with EU standards and patent processing skills are to be strengthened. Lastly, the programme plans to bolster the training and organisational skills of EGPO staff. 

The components correspond to expected programme results. A series of activities have been scheduled during the course of the programme, including: workshops, training sessions, expert missions, study visits and advice. Short-term visits by experts from the OEPM are planned to the Egyptian Patent Office to carry out scheduled programme activities, in addition to visits by personnel from associated institutions in various fields related to these scheduled activities. 

Twinning is an instrument used by the European Union for institutional cooperation between the Public Administrations of EU Member States and beneficiary countries or partners. Twinning operations began in 1998.  

The International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) has been the Spanish organisation responsible for managing these types of EU-funded programmes from the outset.  

Since 2004, the twinning instrument has also been made available to some of the neighbouring EU partner countries. This framework aims to improve the capabilities of an associated country’s public administration through the training of its staff and by supporting the reorganisation of its structure.