European Union Intellectual Property Office

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO; ), founded in 1994, is the European Union Agency responsible for the registration of the European Union trade mark (EUTM) (formerly known as "community trade mark") and the registered Community design (RCD), two unitary intellectual property rights valid across the 27 Member States of the EU. Every year, it registers an average of 135 000 EU trade marks and close to 100 000 designs.

An EU Regulation on geographical indication (GI) protection for craft and industrial products entered into force on 16 November 2023, introducing a new EU-wide GI protection scheme for these products. Following its entry into force, the EUIPO gained the authority to handle GIs for craft and industrial products. It showcased its continuous adaptation to new challenges and responsibilities in the IP realm. Leveraging its extensive experience in administering agricultural GIs, the EUIPO is well-prepared to assume competency over geographical indications for craft and industrial products.

From 1 December 2025, the EUIPO will be responsible for the registration of Geographical Indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products. It will be possible to file applications for the registration of names of craft and industrial products meeting the necessary requirements in the EU.

The EUIPO is based in Alicante, on the south-east coast of Spain, and there are five working languages at the Office – English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. The office also processes trade mark and design applications in 23 official languages of the EU.

EUIPO was formerly known as the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM). The OHIM underwent some reforms and the Office as well as several positions and the governing board were renamed to mirror these changes. Since March 2016, OHIM has been known by its current name. The head of the agency was changed from President to Executive Director. Provided by Wikipedia