European Union Intellectual Property Office - EUIPO

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European Union Intellectual Property Office - EUIPO

The IP Office of the EU.

Protecting European Union trade mark (EUTM), the European Union design (EUD) and Geographical Indications for craft and industrial products (CIGIs). The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is the European Union Agency responsible for the registration of the European Union trade mark (EUTM), the Registered European Union Design (REUD) and geographical indications for craft and indus

trial products (CIGIs), three unitary intellectual property rights valid across the EU-27. At the EUIPO we also host the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, which brings public and private stakeholders together in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.

01/06/2026

Today marks six months since the launch of the EU-wide system for geographical indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products.

Since becoming operational on 1 December 2025, the system has already received 74 applications from six EU countries, highlighting growing recognition among producers of the need to protect local craftsmanship and combat counterfeiting and imitation.

Applications span a wide variety of sectors, including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and musical instruments, reflecting the richness, diversity and authenticity of Europe’s non-agricultural heritage.

To help applicants navigate the process, the EUIPO continues to provide dedicated tools such as the GI Portal and GIview, alongside training initiatives including the “CIGIs in a Nutshell” course available on the EUIPO e-learning platform.

🔹Discover more and explore the available resources on the GI Hub:
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/.../gi-portal/access-gi-portal

31/05/2026

‘IMPRESS’ fails to impress: when slogans do not indicate origin

In case T-326/25, the General Court (GC) confirmed that the sign ‘IMPRESS’ conveys a clear and immediate message that the goods applied for (cosmetics and beauty tools) enhance appearance to make a favourable impression on others. As such, it will be perceived as a self-explanatory advertising slogan requiring no interpretative effort, and therefore incapable of performing the essential trade mark function. The GC reaffirmed that slogans, even if concise and appealing, will be refused where they are likely to be understood solely as promotional or laudatory message rather than as an indicator of origin.

🔹Read the decision here: https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearchCLW/ /trademark/ECJ_20260311_T-326_25_019013650

🔹Read more about the assessment of the distinctive character of slogans in the Board of Appeal’s research report, The distinctive character of slogans, one of its earliest case-law publications. To reflect the latest case-law and analysis, the report will be updated later this year:
https://euipo.europa.eu/tunnel-web/secure/webdav/guest/document_library/contentPdfs/about_euipo/boards_of_appeal/research_reports/Slogans_final_en.pdf

30/05/2026

The UEFA Champions League final PSG- Arsenal is a powerful example of how IP shapes football today.

And in the IP match, PSG wins.

Paris Saint-Germain holds 24 EU trade marks and 2 EU designs, including the famous “Ici, c’est Paris” chant, protected (sound mark and word mark) and the club typography used across shirts, websites, merchandise...

Arsenal holds 17 EU trade marks, protecting key elements of the club’s brand identity in the EU.

UEFA on its side, owns more than 300 EU trade marks and EU designs. From the trophy and the official ball, protected as 3D shape trade marks, to the shape of the Budapest stadium hosting the final.

And then, the players. The shape of Viktor Gyökeres’ celebration is protected as an EU trade mark, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is among the most active players, with 5 EU trade mark applications published and close to registration. Gabriel Jesus has protected his iconic “Alô Mãe” celebration, and Vitinha is one of the latest players to appear in the EU trade mark register shortly before the final.

Football is emotion. But it is also business. And behind all of that, there is IP.

29/05/2026

Behind the breakthroughs: how IP cooperation delivers for Europe and beyond.

In our latest Creative Sparks episode, we explore how international IP cooperation helps make intellectual property systems easier to use for businesses, creators and innovators operating across borders.

Together with Liliana Vieru (AGEPI, Republic of Moldova) and Ibon Ormazabal (EUIPO), we discuss:

🔹 Why cooperation and convergence matter for businesses and creators
🔹 How aligned practices can reduce barriers and increase legal certainty
🔹 The role of trust, knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation
🔹 How the new EU4IP project supports cooperation with the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova

When IP systems become more consistent and easier to navigate, users can protect and grow their ideas with greater confidence.

▶️ Watch or listen on EUIPO corporate channels:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj_W3sKxWmk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MlxFywstvXXnNAB367zJ1?si=c9a85de0682348f8
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-sparks-from-inspiration-to-innovation/id1856581541

28/05/2026

Where innovation meets purpose.
We are proud to present the finalists of the Entrepreneurs and Small Companies Category of the DesignEuropa Awards 2026:

🔸 CLF Growth Containers – Carbon Less Future
A modular system for scalable, local tree cultivation, supporting biodiversity and long-term climate action.
🔸 Pet Shell – Pet Shellter
A noise-reducing pet house designed to create a calm, protective space while seamlessly integrating into home interiors.
🔸 Showee – Showee Smart Wellness Showee
An all-in-one smart shower system promoting autonomy, dignity and safety for people with disabilities and older adults.

These finalists show how design can respond to real-world challenges through creativity, empathy and entrepreneurial vision.

Meet the finalists: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/designs/designeuropa-awards

27/05/2026

The 6th edition of the IP Case Law Conference 2026 brought together judges, practitioners, academics and policy experts from across Europe and beyond.
Under the theme “Growing through change”, the conference explored how IP case law continues to evolve in response to new technologies, shifting legal boundaries and global challenges.

The programme combined key rulings of the General Court and Boards of Appeal with discussions on copyright and AI, design law, enforcement strategies and domain name disputes, offering practical insights and forward-looking perspectives for today’s IP landscape.

But beyond the sessions, what truly defined these two days was the exchange: ideas shared, connections made, and conversations shaping the future of IP adjudication.

Take a look at some highlights from the event!
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/reflections-on-6th-ip-case-law-conference-growing-through-change

Take a look at some highlights from the event!

26/05/2026

Lenços de Namorados do Minho the first Portuguese craft GI at EU level.

The traditional embroidered handkerchief is the first Portuguese product name registered under the EU system for craft and industrial geographical indications and it is now protected across all EU Member States.

Originating from northern Portugal, they are historically linked to courtship traditions and remain a recognised expression of Portuguese folk culture and artisanal heritage.

🔹 Read more: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/es/news/lencos-de-namorados-do-minho-the-first-portuguese-craft-gi-at-eu-level

26/05/2026

We are proud to present the finalists of the Industry Category of the DesignEuropa Awards 2026:
🔸 CBL 900
A fully electric, zero-emission skid steer loader combining performance, safety and accessibility for demanding environments.

🔸 NOHRD StepTower
A refined, space-efficient fitness system integrating multiple training functions into a single architectural unit.

🔸 SOMATOM On.site
A portable head computed tomography (CT) scanner designed for bedside use, enabling faster, safer diagnostics in acute care settings by reducing the need to transport critically ill patients.

Meet the finalists: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/designs/designeuropa-awards

24/05/2026

What do the biggest names in tennis have in common beyond the court?

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Maria Sakkari… alongside their titles and trophies, they’re also protected by EU trade marks.

As this month everyone is focused on Roland Garros, it’s a good moment to look beyond the matches and understand the role of intellectual property in tennis.

Of course, the tournament’s name and logo are protected, but that’s only part of the story.

Here are some facts connecting the French Open, tennis, and IP:

🎾 The The French Tennis Federation owns 1 EU trade marks (the logo and the official name of the tournament) and 2 Designs (including the umpire chair for the Official of the games).

🏆 Rafa Nadal is still number 1 in the IP ranking with 17 EU Trade marks - via his company ASPEMIR, his Foundation and the sports center of Manacor. Among them, some of his iconic gestures. The Spanish legend is followed by Iga Swiatek (8 EUTMs registeredor in the process of being registered), Novak Djokovic (5 EUTMs), Maria Sakkari (3 EUTMs) and Carlos Alcaraz (2 EUTMs). Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jannik Sinner count 1 EUTM each.

🚫 Someone tried to register a figurative mark of a tennis player shape and a tennis ball in it, together with the name Carlos Alcaraz in 2022. He withdrawn it. Two days later, Alcaraz himself filled in his name to registered it as a trade mark.

🐊 Tennis has always been of major importance for the fashion market – on and off the tennis court. EUTMs like Fred Perry (inspired by the British player) or LACOSTE (founded by the René ‘the crocodile’ Lacoste himself) are well known. Roger Federer, Andy Murray or Serena Williams have developed their own fashion line (with their own EU trade marks).

23/05/2026

Press start ▶️

Since its release in 1980, Pac-Man has grown far beyond the arcade. What began as a simple yellow shape is now a globally recognised brand, supported by a wide portfolio of EU trade marks.

The PAC-MAN name, its iconic character and the universe built around it are all protected, securing what makes the game instantly recognisable while supporting its expansion into new formats, experiences and commercial applications.

All the EU trade marks featured in this carousel form part of the IP portfolio of Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai Namco Entertainment (also trading as Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.) which currently holds 356 registered and active EU trade marks. As a fun fact, The PAC-MAN word mark itself was already applied for in 1996, during the very first months of the EU trade mark system.
There’s intellectual property… ready to play.

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