João Negrão steps up as new EUIPO executive director
Following his appointment in July, João Negrão has taken up the reins at the EUIPO as of 2nd October 2023.
He has taken over from Christian Archambeau, who has held the position since 2018.
The EUIPO’s executive director oversees the office’s activities in relation to its finance and infrastructure, and can remain in post for a maximum of two consecutive five year terms.
The role also holds broader responsibility for quality and performance and oversees the Academy of the EUIPO, which includes all learning activities for Office employees, other IP professionals and the general public.
Negrão was elected for the role by the Council of the EU, a governing body made up of government ministers from member states which sits in Brussels and received 19 votes.
The second most popular candidate, current INTA president Etienne Sanz de Acedo, received eight.
Negrão joined the EUIPO in 2010 as Head of Cabinet of the President of the Office and in 2011 he became Director of the International Cooperation and Legal Affairs Department, and has been President of the EUIPO boards of appeal since 2021.
When Negrão was elected, CITMA President Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy said: “We were delighted to hear of João’s appointment as Executive Director.
“CITMA looks forward to continuing to work together and our ongoing collaboration on important areas such as promoting harmonisation and maintaining a world class IP system in Europe.”