EUIPO Updated Examination Guidelines for EU Trade Marks and Designs Enter into Force

On July 1, 2026, updated examination guidelines for European Union trade marks and designs entered into force at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The revised guidelines were announced publicly on July 2, 2026, and reflect the office's current examination practice.

The updated guidelines cover both trade mark and design examination procedures. For trade marks, the revisions address practice in areas including geographical indications, evidence submission, and grounds for refusal. For designs, the guidelines incorporate developments in the assessment of design validity and scope of protection.

The EUIPO issues examination guidelines to help both users and staff in charge of the various procedures. The guidelines are updated periodically to reflect changes in practice, case law, and legislative developments. The July 2026 update represents the latest iteration of this living document, which serves as a key reference for practitioners filing applications at the EUIPO.

The EUIPO also reported that it reached record levels in the first half of 2026, with total EU trade mark and EU design applications reaching 166,214, up 4.7 percent on the same period in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of the EU IP system for brand owners worldwide.

Original Link：https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-gb/legal/news/euipo-announces-entry-into-force-of-updated-examination-guidelines-for-eu-trade-marks-designs