28.10.2024
We refer to our mailshot earlier this year which discussed the protection of intellectual property rights and the prevention of infringing or counterfeit goods from crossing borders by filing Applications for Action (AFAs) with customs in the UK and EU.
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As a reminder, an AFA informs customs of intellectual property rights (including trade marks, patents, designs and copyright) owned by rights holders as well as other pertinent information that allows customs to identify and seize potential counterfeit and infringing goods.
With regard to EU AFAs, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2399 of 12 September 2024 is now in force and can be read here. As of 03 October 2024, all EU AFAs must be filed, maintained and managed electronically, where computerised systems are in place.
Therefore, rights holders can submit eAFAs to customs through the IP Enforcement Portal (IPEP) at IP Enforcement Portal - Observatory (europa.eu) which is the EU AFA e-filing and management portal for all EU Member States or through the online national systems in Germany, Italy or Spain. IPEP is connected to the central EU customs database, COPIS (Counterfeit and anti-Piracy Information System), where the AFA information is stored and exchanged with customs. Paper copies may only be filed where there is a temporary failure of COPIS or one of the online portals.
We are eagerly awaiting updates regarding the introduction of the digital signature.
Our Irish offices would be delighted to provide any advice in relation to this change and to assist in filing eAFAs on your behalf through IPEP. For any EU AFA enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Galway@keltie.com and Aisling.Murphy@keltie.com. For any UK AFA enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Eleni.Mezulanik@keltie.com and Amber.Waynik@keltie.com.
23.06.2025
Leading the way in advanced materials IP: Q&A with Emily WealThis year, Keltie’s materials practice received Gold in the Financial Times annual European Patent Rankings. This is a high-profile and influential award voted for by clients. Yet, the FT listings are more than an industry accolade; they’re a reflection of trust. A Gold award is a powerful signal that a firm delivers strong legal outcomes and also supports innovation in a way that works for businesses. For Keltie’s materials team, this means combining scientific and legal expertise with practical advice tailored to each client’s stage of growth and commercial focus.
23.06.2025
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day with Molly YauAt Keltie, we’re proud to champion the contributions of women in engineering and innovation. As part of our celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED) on 23 June, we’re spotlighting Molly Yau. Molly joined Keltie in 2024 as a trainee patent attorney after completing her Master’s in Biomedical Engineering.
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