EPO at UNION-IP Congress 2026 in Amsterdam
Vice-President Steve Rowan delivering keynote at UNION IP Congress
The European Patent Office (EPO) has participated in this year’s Congress of the Union of European Practitioners in IP. At the event in Amsterdam, EPO Vice-President Patent Granting Process Steve Rowan contributed to discussions on innovation and the importance of high-quality patents. The congress marked the 65th anniversary of UNION-IP, one of Europe’s leading associations of IP practitioners.
The UNION-IP Congress took place from 10 to 13 June. At the opening plenary session on 11 June, Steve Rowan delivered a keynote speech alongside representatives from key international institutions, including the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He underlined how the Unitary Patent simplifies protection across multiple countries, making it a major step towards a more efficient and integrated European patent landscape: “Today, it delivers uniform protection across 18 EU member states, covering around 80% of the EU’s GDP with one single request.”
Discussions throughout the congress focused on current developments in the international IP landscape, including the evolving patent system, trends in innovation and dispute resolution, and the crucial importance of high-quality intellectual property rights in supporting competitiveness and economic growth. Particular attention was given to mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, as well as to professional standards, including those relating to confidentiality and standards of care for IP practitioners.
Deepening dialogue with users and strengthening co-operation with all stakeholders
The annual congress brought together IP professionals, legal practitioners, industry representatives and institutional stakeholders from across Europe and around the world, providing a forum for dialogue and exchange on key developments shaping the future of the IP system. This year’s edition marked the 65th anniversary of UNION-IP. Established before the signing of the EPC, it continues to play an important role in fostering dialogue and promoting best practices throughout the European IP community.
The EPO values its long-standing co-operation with user associations and professional representatives, whose expertise and feedback contribute to the continuous improvement of EPO products and services. Participation in events such as the UNION-IP Congress provides an important opportunity to exchange views with users and strengthen co-operation with stakeholders.
