In contrast with the mood and climate of the past years, the BOIP wishes to start the year 2014 with a dash of optimism... We hope that the declining trend in the number of filings in 2012 and 2013 can be bucked in 2014. The development of the number of filings is becoming increasingly fickle, which makes it hard to predict the development of our primary tasks in detail.

Our optimism has spurred us into setting ambitious goals for this year too. Our activity plan for 2014 encompasses several major projects affecting the whole organisation and we will, in some cases, also be working with external parties. In terms of workload two matters will play a key role.

In 2014 we will replace the online filing application for trademarks. Based on our experience with the online filing of

design applications, we intend to implement the e-filing tool for trademarks using the Software Package (in association with the OHIM). The integration will be very extensive because we plan to implement the application into our portal (with mandatory user login). We also aim to link the electronic payment module to the application, incorporating all the classification tool's functionalities (TMclass and taxonomy) in it.
Because this is such a complete and effective solution, we will gradually be able to phase out the current online filing applications. It will be far easier to maintain our computer system as a result.

The online i-DEPOT will enter its second phase in 2014. While on the one hand this phase consists of fundamental changes to the existing technical framework, we will on the

other hand create a tool that will enable agents to offer the service to their clients (the submission of an i-DEPOT on behalf of a third party). We furthermore intend to add a specific module enabling (optional) publication of the contents of the i-DEPOT.

Apart from these two major projects, several other key activities are planned. Our programme includes improving the CaribIE tool for the BES islands and developing a similar IT environment for Sint Maarten.
We will also conduct a detailed study on the Back Office solution which is being developed under the Cooperation Fund programme. And we are also working on an electronic archiving system, an essential step in the overall automation of our services.

In the international domain, several Community issues again require our attention and efforts. It has meanwhile been announced that the Trade Mark Package will not be available before the European elections in May 2014. The road to bringing the positions of the Commission, Council and Parliament into line undoubtedly is long. However, we have every faith that the outcome will be positive, particularly in view of the last compromise proposals recently submitted by the Greek Presidency of the Council.
The implementation of the Trade Mark Package will inevitably increase the national offices' workload; examples are absolute grounds, relative grounds and procedures. Fortunately the European bodies slowly but surely seem to be reaching consensus on financial support for the national offices even though the amounts and the conditions and rules attached have yet to be determined.

The Benelux countries have opted not to await the outcome of the EU discussions. They have decided to continue to work on implementing an administrative procedure for invalidation and revocation, and to amend the opposition procedure. The texts of the BCIP Fifth Amendment Protocol have even already been finalised in the first few months of 2014 by experts from the three countries.
There is a good chance that the Trade Mark Package texts will induce the Benelux legislator to make further amendments to the BCIP in respect of the grounds for opposition and invalidity, for instance. However, this is not expected to occur before 2015 or 2016.

The Benelux Patent Platform will enter a crucial phase in 2014, with Belgium being the first Benelux country to put the system into operation in September 2014 according to the

current schedule. This will no doubt be a memorable occasion. We hope that it will mark the commencement of a fruitful collaboration in the field of patents.

Internally, 2014 will be a turbulent year due, among other things, to the reorganisation initiated in 2013. As a result of the declining number of administrative tasks, a number of employees will be leaving the organisation. We are saddened by the fact that this is necessary. The Management Board wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to the employees concerned for their dedicated efforts throughout the years. We will do our utmost to assist them to the best possible extent and to the best of our ability. In addition to downsizing, the reorganisation will involve changes to the structure of our teams. This will, in turn, have consequences for our organisational structure and work processes.

On top of that the new Headquarters Agreement with the host country, the Netherlands, with all of its ensuing consequences will impact the organisation. It means that we will need to set up our own tax and social security systems and that our Employees Statute will fundamentally change. The agreement takes effect on 1 January 2015. The reorganisation and the new Headquarters Agreement are highly complex and sensitive dossiers. In the long term they will, however, ensure that our organisation remains financially sound.

To conclude we were delighted to welcome our new Deputy Director General of General Affairs. We look forward to working with Ragnar Gustafsson, who will strengthen our teams with his solid business experience effective 1 May 2014.

'Building for the future' - this is and will continue to be BOIP's guiding principle. We are pleased that even in times of economic crisis we have upheld our high ambitions. And our users are reaping the benefits. We frequently hear that they much appreciate our efforts in continuing to improve the quality of our services. And we believe that this is the best reward. A reward that applies especially to our employees. Their dedication, motivation and talents in particular cannot be highlighted enough.