What the 2024 EU Elections Mean for Intellectual Property

In June, EU citizens voted in the elections for the European Parliament. In an uncertain geopolitical environment, the elections set the stage for a new political landscape, shaping the future trajectory of the EU and carrying important implications for businesses across the region. With fresh leadership in place, the next five years are anticipated to bring policy shifts that could directly influence how businesses operate, access markets, and meet compliance requirements.

The election results marked a clear political turn towards the right, with a strong focus on boosting the EU’s strategic autonomy. This signals the EU’s drive to reduce its reliance on non-EU jurisdictions and become more independent in critical policy areas.

But what does this mean for intellectual property (IP)? Since IP is a cross-sectional matter, the Association foresees that it will be a key element in the expansion of strategies. Indeed, IP plays an important role in the defense industry, climate change mitigation, the empowerment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and youth outreach.

To help businesses, innovators, and investors—both within the EU and outside it—to navigate these changes, INTA has prepared the EU Election Report, analyzing the potential effects of the 2024 elections on EU priorities related to IP. This report offers valuable guidance for understanding the evolving political and commercial landscape, helping stakeholders prepare for possible shifts in the promotion, protection, management, and commercialization of their intangible assets.

As part of INTA’s ongoing efforts to keep corporate members informed, INTA has launched a series of briefings to explore the political and commercial implications following the elections, starting with the EU. The next briefing will cover India.

By gathering insights early and establishing clear lines of communication with key actors, the Association can stay ahead of any issues and advocate for policies that support IP protection and enforcement, ensuring a strong legal framework for members across the EU. INTA will publish additional reports on select 2024 elections in the coming months.

Download the report.

INTA’s Europe Representative Office, based in Brussels, Belgium, represents the Association’s members across Europe (which includes the European Union, non-EU member states, and Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States). Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the Europe Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives throughout the region. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Europe, please contact INTA Chief Europe Representative Officer Tat-Tienne Louembe and follow us on X. 

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

© 2024 International Trademark Association