EPO congratulates Hungarian Intellectual Property Office on its 125th anniversary
EPO President António Campinos addressed a celebration gala today (1 March) to mark the 125th anniversary of the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO). He was joined by guests from the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Hungarian Minister of Finance, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
In his address, which was delivered by videoconference, Mr Campinos said: "Since its foundation, the Hungarian Office has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and economic progress - in Hungary and beyond. You have an IP system that's helped promote Hungarian innovation and given us well-known, and much valued, inventors."
To mark the occasion, the EPO sent the HIPO a copy of the first ever European patent granted to a Hungarian inventor, almost 40 years ago.
In his speech, Mr Campinos highlighted the role played by innovation and IP in creating a healthier and more sustainable future, and in driving economic growth and recovery. He commended HIPO for its work in promoting knowledge and understanding of IP among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, and research networks.
Looking ahead, Mr Campinos spoke about the signing of a new bilateral cooperation agreement to jointly improve services to innovators and the relaunch of the network of patent information centres (PATLIB 2.0) to deliver a hub for accelerating technology transfer. "Essentially, our aim is to create a true culture of commercialisation across Europe, and give researchers access to the most valuable knowledge and information - wherever it's located," he said.
The HIPO celebration gala included addresses by HIPO President Gyula Pomázi; Secretary of State for Finance Gábor Gion; Secretary of State for Higher Education, Innovation and Vocational Training Prof. Dr. József Bódis; WIPO Director General Daren Tang, and EUIPO Executive Director Christian Archambeau. In addition, there were keynote speeches by Dr Andrea Fekete, research doctor, paediatrician and professor at Semmelweis University; and Vera Jónás, vocalist and songwriter, followed by a roundtable discussion on "Tradition, innovation and intellectual property protection" with representatives of Hungarian industry.
The Hungarian Intellectual Property Office was established in 1896. Hungary joined the European Patent Organisation on 1 January 2003. It is one of 38 EPO member states.