As the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) marks its 30th anniversary, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the profound impact this institution has had on intellectual property (IP) rights across Europe and beyond. Since its establishment in 1994, EUIPO has grown from a modest agency into a global leader in IP management, safeguarding innovation and creativity. This milestone offers a chance to celebrate not only EUIPO‘s achievements but also the collaborative efforts of other organizations, such as InfoCons, who have contributed to strengthening IP protection throughout the European Union.
What is EUIPO ?
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) plays a crucial role in managing EU Trade Mark and Design rights, which hold jurisdiction across the European Union. These rights serve as complements to national intellectual property (IP) rights and are interconnected with international IP systems. Since 2012, EUIPO has overseen the EU Observatory on the Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights and the Orphan Works Database.
Annually, the Office handles an impressive volume, with over 150,000 trade mark and 90,000 design applications. Additionally, it actively promotes alignment of practices among IP offices across EU member states through collaboration facilitated by the European Union Intellectual Property Network. Utilizing user-friendly IP tools, this cooperation seeks to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
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The Observatory serves as a central hub, convening a diverse network of stakeholders to address issues related to IP infringement. Through initiatives such as studies, projects, and tools, the Office endeavors to raise awareness and combat infringement effectively. Moreover, EUIPO manages the Orphan Work Database, offering digital access to public information on various creative works, including literary, cinematographic, or audiovisual pieces, as well as pictures and photographs.
Recognizing the pivotal role of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in driving economic activity and growth, EUIPO is committed to ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness of its services. Maximizing the value of IP rights for both owners and the broader economy by fostering collaboration within and beyond the EU, the Office aims to generate synergies with its partners and stakeholders:
- the users of Intellectual Property registration systems, particularly small & medium-sized businesses ;
- EU & non-EU Intellectual Property offices ;
- User associations ;
- other international bodies in the Intellectual Property field.
The Establishment and Early Growth of EUIPO
Founded in 1994 as the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), EUIPO was created under the 1993 Maastricht Treaty as a decentralized EU agency based in Alicante, Spain. Initially, it was tasked with administering the European Union Trade Mark (then known as the Community Trade Mark, CTM).
The Office began operations with just five employees and soon received its first CTM registrations in 1996, quickly surpassing expectations with over 43,000 applications by year’s end. This early success established EUIPO as a self-sustaining entity and a key player in the EU’s intellectual property (IP) landscape. By the late 1990s, EUIPO expanded rapidly, laying the groundwork for its permanent headquarters and creating essential divisions to manage opposition, cancellation, and appeals.
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Expansion and Modernization of the European Union Intellectual Property Office
The turn of the century marked significant growth for EUIPO . After settling into its new headquarters, the agency introduced electronic trademark filing and began accepting applications for Registered Community Designs (RCDs) in 2003. This period also saw EUIPO navigate the EU’s enlargement, incorporating new member states and languages into its system.
The launch of TMview in 2010 and Designview in 2012 revolutionized access to IP databases, while the establishment of EUIPO Academy in 2011 and the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights in 2012 broadened the agency’s influence. The 2015 trademark reform package further modernized the system, coinciding with a rebranding of OHIM to EUIPO, reflecting its expanded responsibilities.
EUIPO – Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In recent years, EUIPO has continued to innovate and expand. By 2019, it had registered over two million trademarks, and in 2021, it was recognized as the world’s most innovative IP office. The Office also introduced new services, such as the out-of-commerce portal and the Mediation Centre, which offers alternative dispute resolution.
As EUIPO prepares for the launch of its Strategic Plan 2030, it stands as a leading global IP institution, committed to fostering innovation and adapting to future challenges with an expanded role in protecting geographical indications and enhancing international cooperation.
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InfoCons and its work in the intellectual property rights field
InfoCons is an active member of the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) Observatory, playing a role e in the Civil Society Working Group within the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights. This involvement underscores InfoCons‘ commitment to addressing the challenges posed by intellectual property infringements across Europe.
Since its founding, InfoCons has been consistently committed to educating and protecting consumers from the dangers associated with counterfeit products. These counterfeit items, often substandard and unsafe, can pose significant health and safety risks to consumers. To counter this, InfoCons has organized and executed numerous awareness campaigns over the years. These initiatives have been important in educating the public on how to identify counterfeit goods and the broader implications of purchasing and using such products, which range from economic losses to supporting criminal activities.
Moreover, InfoCons launched the A.C.T.I.V.E. project in 2023, an initiative that actively promotes the protection of intellectual property. The main objectives of this project are to raise awareness among young Europeans about the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and the negative effects of violating these rights, to reduce the consumption of counterfeit goods and digital content from illegal sources, and to encourage the younger generation to actively engage in protecting Intellectual Property Rights.
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The European InfoCons App and the protection of Intellectual Property Rights
The European InfoCons App, known for its innovative approach, is a comprehensive tool designed to protect consumers. It provides real-time alerts from the European Union, including both general product recalls and specific safety warnings. Notably, over half of these alerts pertain to counterfeit products, which often fail to meet safety standards and pose significant risks to consumers. The app highlights these counterfeit items, helping users identify and avoid potentially harmful products, thereby enhancing consumer safety and awareness. This functionality makes the app a critical resource in the fight against counterfeit goods, offering easy access to vital information.
The app’s accessibility is further enhanced by its availability in 33 languages, ensuring it reaches a broad audience. It also includes a global directory of emergency contact numbers, making it a versatile resource for consumers worldwide. InfoCons continues to support consumers through the app by providing quick alerts for non-food products across the European Union and introducing a new feature that allows users to search for counterfeit products in the Alerts section using a keyword. Through its commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection, InfoCons plays a pivotal role in combating counterfeiting and piracy, not only by raising public awareness but also by empowering consumers to recognize and report infringements. This proactive strategy helps create an environment where creativity and innovation are protected from the threats posed by counterfeit and pirated goods.
On this special anniversary, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to EUIPO for three decades of unwavering commitment to intellectual property rights. Your dedication has not only protected the creative and innovative spirit of Europe but has also inspired a culture of respect for IP worldwide. Here’s to the next 30 years of continued success, growth, and leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property. Happy 30th anniversary, EUIPO!
Source : European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC .