9 September, 2002

My dear Members

FICPI World Congress 2003

We are undergoing a period of great change. The changes will affect considerably the way patent attorneys undertake their business.

We have predicted this many times before. I can recall this being said about the PCT and about the EPC, for example.

With the introduction of the EPC, firms in Europe had to adjust to changed circumstances. Those that were strategically located and those that adjusted the style of their business did well.

We are about to enter another period of change that will require firms to change their business activity. I refer, in particular, to the revision of the PCT already having an affect and the harmonisation proposals including mutual recognition and the trade mark law treaty. This Congress addresses the future and what affect changes proposed will have on the way patent attorneys around the world interact to each other. It is hoped that the program of this World Congress will assist both the experienced and youthful practitioners in the future business decisions that they are called on to make.

I am very pleased that the Congress concluding my term as President of FICPI will take place in Berlin. Germany represents the largest member association of FICPI and we have not been able to hold a Congress in Germany since Augsberg when my friend, Heinz Bardehle was President. Since then we have had Congresses in France, England, Austria, Denmark and Canada.

Traditionally, the Congress is held in the country of the President. I would have been very happy to host a Congress in Australia but did not believe that was appropriate because the preceding Congress was held in Vancouver, the first time out of Europe and we have recently hosted in Melbourne Congresses of AIPPI, LESI and APAA.

I do hope that all members support this World Congress. The busy programme has an orientation to youth and I am sure it will be of great value and interest not only to those in the early stages of their career but to all private practitioners.

Yours sincerely

Malcolm Royal
PRESIDENT
mroyal@ficpi.com