“The EUIPO is truly at the cutting edge of what trademark offices can offer to users,” according to WTR.
ALICANTE - The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has been named the most innovative intellectual property (IP) office globally in 2024 by World Trademark Review (WTR). This is the fifth time the Office receives the recognition, solidifying its position as a leader in digital transformation and technological advancement in the IP world. The WTR’s analysis find that in offering an unprecedented array of services, “the EUIPO is truly at the cutting edge of what trademark offices can offer to users”, according to the official website of EUIPO.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), which was jointly ranked as the most innovative IP office alongside the EUIPO in 2022, came in second place in this year’s ranking, followed by IP Australia and the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office. The EUIPO received high praise on all metrics with the analysis stating that “The result once again reflects the EUIPO’s approach to pushing boundaries through innovation and its unrivalled offering of digital tools and services – including its cutting-edge uses of AI and blockchain.”
Digital capabilities and innovative use of AI
A significant focus of the ranking was on the digital capabilities of the IP offices. The EUIPO excelled in this area, with special mentions of the new EUIPO website launched in 2023 and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities. Among the notable uses of AI is the E-search Case Law tool, which uses AI to automatically translate EUIPO and EU court decisions into 23 languages. This tool has translated approximately 300 000 decision documents to date, significantly enhancing accessibility and efficiency for users across Europe.
Blockchain and API Innovations
Special praise was reserved in WTR’s analysis for the EUIPO’s work in the area of application programming interface (API) and blockchain with the Office deemed to be “a leader” in integrating blockchain technology into IP services. The 'IP Registers in Blockchain' initiative is a pioneering project that aims to establish a secure, rapid, and direct connectivity between IP offices and rights holders. Seven European Union IP offices, including those from Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, and Portugal, have already joined this blockchain network, with hopes that all EU member state offices will be part of the network by the end of next year.
Recognition is also reserved for 'EBSI-ELSA', a groundbreaking EUIPO initiative aimed at combating counterfeit goods in the global supply chain. EBSI-ELSA uses existing NFT platforms, private and public blockchains, track-and-trace solutions, and digitally enabled product ID serialization to ensure the authenticity of products as they move through the supply chain. This innovative approach allows brand owners to be notified at each point, ensuring greater transparency and security.
Cooperation, outreach and future Innovations
The EUIPO also received high marks for the Office’s work in the area of cooperation and awareness raising with particular praise reserved for the EUIPO’s social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram).
The analysis ranked 50 IP offices around the world based on their online capabilities, value-added propositions, and public outreach efforts. The assessment considered several criteria, including website functionality, e-filing systems, online trademark databases, live chat functions, database and office actions APIs, AI tools, and blockchain functionalities. The analysis was based on expert feedback from more than 100 trademark practitioners from 50 jurisdictions with one local attorney stating that: “The EUIPO is at the forefront of the use of technology and open conversations with users and national offices… They should keep up the good work.”
In his LinkedIn post, EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, said: "It is a great honor to see the EUIPO - European Union Intellectual Property Office named the most innovative IP Office in the world. We would not have received this award without the continuous commitment to excellence and hard work of our staff, and I would like to convey my personal appreciation and sincere gratitude to them. […] Looking to the future, we will not rest on our laurels – innovation will play a big part in our next strategic cycle, under the SP2030, where we will continue to push boundaries to ensure that the EU IP system is robust, diverse, inclusive, sustainable, and works for all."