One year into the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2030, 2025 stands out as a productive and formative year in advancing our goal of a robust, inclusive, diverse and sustainable IP ecosystem. Record application levels, new responsibilities in key innovation areas and stronger cooperation with partners all point to growing confidence in intellectual property – and in the EUIPO – as a tool for competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global context.

That confidence was reflected in another exceptional year of activity. In 2025, the Office received its five-millionth IP application and recorded the highest number of filings in its history. EU trade mark applications rose by 9.1 %, driving overall growth of 7.8 %, while EU design filings increased by 6 %, continuing the positive trend seen in 2024.

The year also demonstrated how the Strategic Plan 2030 is guiding our expansion into new areas of innovation. On 1 December, the EUIPO launched the EU system for craft and industrial geographical indications (CIGIs), marking a significant new competence for the Office. The system enhances protection for Europe’s heritage products while supporting regional growth and competitiveness across the EU.

Copyright was another major focus. In November, we hosted the first EUIPO Conference on Copyright in Alicante, bringing together more than 3,000 participants onsite and online. The event also marked the launch of the EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre, developed in close cooperation with the European Commission. The Centre will serve as a central hub for copyright in the EU, supporting awareness, research and policy development and helping to ensure copyright remains fit for the digital age.

The relationship between copyright and artificial intelligence was a key theme at this year’s Web Summit in Lisbon. Generative AI poses significant challenges for copyright, making it essential to develop a balanced and resilient framework that safeguards creators’ rights while enabling innovation. Europe has a leading role to play in establishing effective licensing solutions and opt-out mechanisms that work for both rightsholders and developers.

These initiatives reflect the broadening scope of the EUIPO’s work across the innovation landscape. Supporting businesses throughout this spectrum remains essential to fostering growth and competitiveness in the EU.

A particularly important milestone was reached in October, when Ukraine joined TMview. Nearly 600,000 Ukrainian trade marks are now accessible through the world’s largest trade mark database, representing a significant step in aligning Ukraine’s IP framework with that of the EU and reinforcing our support for the country’s path towards accession.

In November, we also launched the Young Leadership Programme under the IP Alliances framework. The programme welcomed 11 participants from across the global IP community and is designed to support emerging leaders, strengthen strategic partnerships and reinforce the EUIPO’s role in an increasingly interconnected IP landscape.

In December, World Trademark Review named the EUIPO the most innovative intellectual property office in the world. This recognition reflects the impact of sustained cooperation and a clear strategic focus, and highlights the strength of the wider EU IP network. I am particularly pleased that the Benelux, French, Polish, Portuguese and German IP offices were also recognised.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year. As the EU responds to rapid global change, supporting innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of EU businesses will remain central to our mission. We will continue to build a more accessible, resilient and future-proof IP system – one that enables intellectual property to drive growth and creativity across the EU.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/first-year-of-the-euipo-s-strategic-plan-2030-a-message-from-the-executive-director