Evaluation of the application of Regulation 386/2012 : executive summary

This evaluation concerns the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 386/2012 on entrusting the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) (former OHIM) with tasks related to the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs), including assembling public- and private-sector representatives as a European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights. The evaluation analyses the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, utility, complementarity and EU added value of this intervention for the period 2012-2016. The study design is based on desk research, including documentation relevant to the creation of and activities carried out by the Observatory, and interviews with Observatory stakeholders. Results indicate a broad consensus on the activities of the Observatory and its general usefulness in the fight against counterfeiting and copyright infringements and IPR enforcement in general. Interviewees suggested only a few minor changes for improvement.