This significant event took place in Warsaw, Poland, on May 25 and 26, 2023, and was co-organised by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science and the Polish Patent Office.
For the first time this year, the meeting gathered representatives from EU Member States’ ministries of education, intellectual property offices, and other key bodies in the field of education. These discussions have been critical in shaping national curricula and skills development, particularly in relation to IP knowledge in an increasingly digital context.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the latest activities by the hosting organizations, updates from the European Commission on the newly published digital skills package and the European Year of Skills, and details from the Joint Research Centre on the Education for Climate Coalition.
At the meeting, Orsola Lamberti shared that the EUIPO, in collaboration with the CPVO, is set to produce educational materials on Plant Variety Rights (PVR), highlighting the joint commitment of both agencies to promote understanding of PVR in the context of intellectual property education.
The initiative highlights the essential role of Plant Variety Rights (PVR) in driving agricultural innovation, bolstering biodiversity, and fostering environmental sustainability, affirming the CPVO's commitment to support these key areas through the promotion and protection of plant variety rights.
The CPVO's participation in such a critical meeting highlights our commitment to promoting the value of plant variety rights and contributing to the broader discussion on intellectual property education.
Communicating the message of PVR across Europe, particularly through the ministries of education and culture, is critical for raising public awareness about the importance of protecting new plant varieties. This can foster innovation in the fields of agriculture and biotechnology. Further, it can help ensure that plant varieties are used sustainably, supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
The development of new plant varieties often leads to crops that are more resistant to diseases, pests, and extreme weather conditions, which can reduce the need for chemical treatments and contribute to more sustainable farming practices.
The IP in Education network meeting was an important platform for promoting the importance of IP education and the role of PVR in a sustainable future. The CPVO looks forward to continuing to work with partners across Europe to advance these important goals. The role of education in this process is paramount, as it helps foster an understanding of the importance of PVR and its impact on agriculture, the environment, and the economy.