Public consultation on the evaluation and modernisation of the IPR enforcement framework

Today the European Commission launched a public consultation seeking stakeholder views on whether the rules for the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) are still fit for purpose.

The consultation will support the assessment of the functioning of the legal framework, in particular in the online environment, to identify the possible need for adapting it and to propose corrective measures. It also aims to gather experience and opinions on the use and impact of 'follow the money' initiatives – voluntary cooperation agreements between IP rightholders and intermediaries – in the area of IPR enforcement.

IPR infringements dissuade investment in innovation, undermine job creation and put consumers and businesses at risk. A comprehensive enforcement policy is required to successfully combat these infringements at EU and national level, especially given the borderless nature of the internet.

Because of this, the Commission announced a modernisation of IPR enforcement in the Digital Single Market strategy and the Single Market strategy. It will focus on commercial-scale infringements (the follow the money approach) and the cross-border applicability of IPR enforcement.