The Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has adopted decisions EX-26-3, EX-26-4, EX-26-5, EX-26-6, EX-26-7 and EX-26-8, addressing procedural matters and registry requirements relating to EU trade marks and design legislation reforms. The decisions serve to: (1) establish a framework for the daily online publication of trade mark and design bulletins; (2) specify technical standards for submissions on data carriers; (3) define the process for public notification via the EUIPO website and (4) set up a comprehensive system for secure electronic communication and filing via the user area. This system includes requirements for multi-factor authentication and backup procedures. The decisions will come into force on 1 July 2026.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote intellectual property (IP)-backed financing opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovators. The collaboration aims to help businesses leverage IP rights, including trade marks and designs, as strategic assets when seeking financing by improving IP valuation approaches, strengthening links between SMEs and financial instruments and supporting the development of IP-backed financing solutions. The EIF, based in Luxembourg, is a specialised financial institution that supports SME access to finance through guarantees, venture capital and microfinance instruments and acts as a key implementing partner of the InvestEU programme. The MoU supports the EUIPO's Strategic Plan 2030 and represents the first concrete step following the findings of the EUIPO's recent IP-backed finance study, published in April 2026.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) have published IP and Innovation in European Sectors, a joint study examining 361 intellectual property rights intensive industries during the 2021-2023 period. The study finds that industries making intensive use of intellectual property rights account for 47.9% of the EU's gross domestic product and employ more than 65 million people, representing one third of the EU's total workforce. The analysis covers six types of intellectual property rights: trade marks, designs, patents, copyright, geographical indications and plant variety rights. Trade mark-intensive industries account for the largest share at 39.1%, followed by patent-intensive industries at 18.4% and design-intensive industries at 16.1%. The study shows that IPR-intensive industries generated €7.7trn of EU GDP, with workers in these sectors earning an average wage premium of 40.9%. The 2026 edition updates results from the previous 2022 study.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Europol have published a joint report detailing the extensive impact of intellectual property (IP) crime, which is linked to organised crime and affects health, safety, and the environment. The report highlights how criminal networks exploit technological advancements and consumer demand to commit IP crimes globally, impacting businesses and consumers alike. It calls for enhanced cooperation among law enforcement, policymakers, and other stakeholders to mitigate the harm caused by counterfeit goods and pirated content.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has published its approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. The approach focuses on ethical and responsible AI, ensuring transparency, unbiased systems, and strong data protection. EUIPO employs AI tools such as TMview for trade marks, DesignView for registered designs, and eSearch plus for comprehensive IP information. Additionally, eTranslation aids in translating case law decisions. This plan aims to leverage AI to improve service delivery and support staff while maintaining trust and accountability.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has announced that the 2026 edition of its Guidelines for Examination of European Union trade marks (EUTMs) and registered European Union designs (EUDs) entered into force on 1 July 2026. The updated Guidelines reflect the EUIPO's current examination practice following consultation with stakeholders and the EUIPO Management Board and incorporate legislative changes, recent case law and procedural developments. The updated Guidelines include changes to the examination of registered EU designs, including revised requirements for design representations, filing dates, product indications, amendments, invalidity proceedings and electronic filing. For EU trade marks, they update EUIPO's approach to geographical indications in light of legislative reforms and recent case law, clarify examination, opposition, cancellation and register procedures, and revise guidance on evidence, time limits, continuation of proceedings, electronic communications and other procedural requirements to reflect EUIPO's current examination practice.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has extended its mediation services, effective from the 2 June 2025, to cover all inter partes proceedings This extension includes EU trade mark opposition, cancellation, and registered EU design invalidity cases. Parties can benefit from a voluntary, free-of-charge mediation process, which is conducted entirely online via a secure alternate dispute resolution (ADR) platform. Emphasising efficiency, cost-effectiveness and confidentiality, this initiative marks the final phase of the EUIPO's strategy to provide comprehensive ADR services. Additionally, the service accommodates parallel disputes involving other IP rights, further broadening its scope and integrating stakeholder feedback as part of the EUIPO Strategic Plan 2030.This expansion completes EUIPO's phased approach to alternative dispute resolution services, building on their Mediation Centre launched in November 2023.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has announced a reorganisation of its internal structure in line with the vision and priorities of the future Strategic Plan 2030 (SP2030). This aims to improve the EUIPO for future challenges and opportunities, ensuring it is well-positioned to deliver on the objectives of the SP2030, with focus on AI, inclusivity and sustainability of EUIPO. This reorganisation is effective from 1 July 2024, and is centred around the Business, Outreach, Compliance, and Corporate Services clusters. The EUIPO has also established a new Executive Advisory Committee (EAC), the EUIPO AI Governance and an AI coordinator to explore the potential implementations of AI at different levels.

MLex: The head of the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has suggested that EU businesses could be given the option of cheaper filing for trade mark protection for five rather than ten years, saying that the current system might not suit the more fast-paced commercial landscape.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has issued Executive Director Decision No EX-25-01, setting out comprehensive regulations for its Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Effective from 28 February 2025, the decision establishes a structured framework for accessing and utilising EUIPO’s APIs, which facilitate the filing of applications, uploading of documents, and retrieval of information from its databases. The decision introduces a mandatory subscription system via the API Portal, where users must register and adhere to specific conditions, including compliance with intellectual property provisions and data protection regulations.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has published a discussion paper examining the role of search engines in directing traffic to intellectual property infringing content and services. The study, conducted by the Expert Group on Cooperation with Intermediaries, explores the challenges posed by the misuse of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) techniques for IP infringement purposes. The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between search engines, users, and website owners, focusing on both 'organic' and 'paid for' search results. It also identifies good practices to address these challenges in the context of online content discoverability and access.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has announced significant changes to the renewal system for Registered EU Designs (REUDs). The new rules, effective from 1 May 2025, alter the calculation of renewal periods and introduce a revised fee structure. REUDs will now expire on the exact expiry date of registration, followed by a six-month grace period. The EUIPO has outlined different procedures for renewals before and after the implementation date, allowing rights holders to choose the most advantageous renewal timing. The changes also include substantial increases in renewal fees for requests submitted on or after 1 May 2025.