The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) is the official body for trademarks and designs registration in the Benelux. BOIP can also record the existence of an idea on a given date in an i-DEPOT.
Since 1971
Since 1971, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg have applied uniform rules for the protection of entrepreneurs' trademarks. As of 1975, as an economic union in the Benelux, they have also implemented the same legislation governing the protection of drawings and designs.
In 2006, the separate rules governing trademarks, drawings and designs were replaced by a single convention, the Benelux Convention on Intellectual property (BCIP).
Under the umbrella term of intellectual property, the statutory provisions governing trademarks, drawings and designs are laid down clearly and systematically in the Convention. As of 2013, the BCIP also covers the i-DEPOT.
Organisation
BOIP is part of the Benelux Organisation for Intellectual Property, an international organisation made up of three bodies:
- the Committee of Ministers, the highest level decision-making body in the Benelux Union;
- the Administrative Council, comprising representatives from the three Benelux countries;
- the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP), which in its capacity of intergovernmental organisation is responsible for implementing the Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property.
Since it was formed, this unique cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, has developed into a contemporary organisation. BOIP is an expert on intellectual property in the Benelux. It is a knowledge source and a sparring partner for IP professionals and representatives. We are in close contact with a large number of national and international organisations in the intellectual property law arena and work tirelessly to optimise our service provision.
BOIP informs entrepreneurs about the importance of intellectual property. Among other things we do this by providing an accessible digital environment, where entrepreneurs can arrange and manage their registrations quickly and simply.
Who are we?
Our 86 employees are based at our office in The Hague. The fact that BOIP is an independent organisation means it cannot give personal advice. However, it can and is keen to provide information on the intellectual property world and the latest developments in its field of expertise. Through this website, BOIP also offers direct access to official registration of trademarks, designs and drawings in the Benelux. BOIP is happy to refer entrepreneurs to an IP professional or representative for personal advice.
IP partnerships
Are you an IP professional or representative? Our employees will be happy to be in touch with you, to share knowledge and exchange experiences with a view to, together, helping entrepreneurs in the fascinating, but complex, field of intellectual property.
Need information?
You can contact our Information Centre on weekdays for more information.
Partnerships
In addition to working with national and international IP bodies, BOIP also works with a range of partners in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. These organisations, such as the Dutch Chamber of Commerce or the Business Advice Centres in Belgium, are in close contact with entrepreneurs. BOIPs' goal in partnering up is to share knowledge and information about intellectual property, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Benelux council for Intellectual Property
The Benelux Council for Intellectual Property (Benelux Council) makes recommendations and advises BOIP on all matters concerning intellectual property that fall under the authority of the Benelux Organisation for Intellectual Property.
The Benelux Council comprises various stakeholders in the Benelux, such as the judiciary, the academic community, lawyers, representatives and entrepreneurs.
BOIP in the former Netherlands Antilles
In addition to its remits under the BCIP and the Implementing Regulations, BOIP also implements the Trademarks (BES Islands) Act (WMB) under the authority of the 'Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland'. This is the trademarks legislation applicable in the three Dutch special municipalities: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
More about trademark registration in the Caribbean Netherlands
BOIP also handles trademark registration for Sint Maarten in cooperation with the Sint Maarten Bureau for Intellectual Property (BIP SXM).
More about trademark registration on Sint Maarten