Chief Executive’s message Throughout this report, you will read of all the things CIPA has achieved for its members this year. We have done so by putting the mental health and wellbeing of our people at the top of the agenda. We have worked hard to look after each other in much the same way as we do when we are together and it has paid dividends. A big, big thank you to the CIPA staff and the members who have given freely of their time in the most challenging circumstances.
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Lee Davies
t the time of writing, I have not seen any of my team or volunteer members in person for almost a year. This would be difficult enough for most organisations, but professional associations are built on and around people. I feel extremely fortunate to work with some of the most talented people in the association sector and the most committed and enthusiastic volunteer members. To be denied the opportunity to regularly collaborate in person has been one of the hardest aspects of the COVID-19 crisis. In terms of business continuity, we were prepared. It was relatively straightforward to move to remote working, having invested in the technology to do so. Maintaining business as close to usual as possible, however, is extraordinarily difficult when you cannot simply lean across a desk, wave across a room or chat over a coffee in a corner of the office. I cannot speak highly enough of how my team and Council and committee members have responded to a very different way of working.
Turning to the B word, the UK’s exit from the EU is finalised, with an eleventh-hour Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) shaping the future relationship. With much of our work being conducted under the premise that ‘no deal’ might prove to be a very real possibility, we had to quickly come to terms with the TCA. We have lobbied government to try to secure the best possible outcome for our members and the users of the IP system. We have promoted business as usual for patent attorneys at the EPO whilst campaigning for the retention of rights at the EUIPO. We are well-connected in parliament through the work of Neil Lampert, who deserves a special mention for staying on top of a rapidly shifting political landscape. The work of Council, the Officers of CIPA, and our committees should also be recognised, often turning around consultation responses and position papers in record time. Whilst not fully resolved, CIPA has worked tirelessly on issues such as rights or representation, business travel and the IP elements of trade agreements. In the hardest of times, I have seen the very best of people. We have been resilient, supportive, agile and creative. I have no doubt that the year ahead will be as demanding as was the year behind us. Equally, I have no doubt that CIPA will rise to the challenges to come.
CIPA Annual Report 2020
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