European Union Intellectual Property Office

The IP Office of the EU. Protecting trade marks, designs and geographical indication for craft and industrial products.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

How much IP is there in a saxophone?

Patented by Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax in 1846, this instrument went on to become a jazz icon.
Almost two centuries later, IP is still part of the tune.

Jazz plays it by ear, but IP knows the score.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Dalahäst has become Sweden’s first registered craft and industrial geographical indication in the EU.

Rooted in the centuries-old craft tradition of the province of Dalarna, the Dala horse now benefits from protection across the European Union.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

As part of the ‘National Days at the EUIPO’ initiative, Executive Director João Negrão welcomed @INPIPT and the Portuguese IP community to Alicante for discussions on case law, geographical indications, IP enforcement and IP-backed finance.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

IP also reaches beyond the game: from the Nintendo 64 controller and Nintendo Switch 2 logo to officially licensed products.

Almost three decades later, Hyrule has its own kind of Triforce: trade marks, copyright and licensing. ▲

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

In 1998, Hyrule entered a new dimension. 🗡️🎮
Ocarina of Time was the first Zelda game to take Hyrule from 2D to 3D. Now, it returns.

But before heading back to Hyrule… Hey! Listen! 🧚 There’s an IP story to explore too.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Copyright protects creative elements such as code, artwork, music, dialogue, characters and storyline.
Explore how copyright works in the EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre:
https://t.co/LpWQAuHPHL

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

It's nothing personal, scissors ✂️🤛🛘.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Europe's SMEs create valuable brands, designs and technologies. But can they use their IP to access finance?

As the SME Clusters Assembly begins, we're highlighting how IP-backed finance can help turn innovation into business growth. @ireland2026EU https://t.co/C7x6EenzKD

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Tuesday Webinar: Common Practice on the descriptiveness of marks designating geographical origin (CP18).

Aimed at examiners, applicants and their representatives who want to deepen their understanding of CP18.

📅 10 November | 10:00–10:50 CET
https://t.co/ZvtNiII5Cb

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Flags are flying at half-mast at our headquarters in solidarity with the people of Spain.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic train accident in Urda, Toledo.

Nuestro más sincero pésame.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

How is AI reshaping intellectual property?

In the latest Creative Sparks episode, we explore how AI is transforming IP and supporting better-informed decisions, while keeping human expertise at the heart of innovation.

▶️ Watch or listen: https://t.co/iFNJVkOAdb

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Animated films and series are loved by audiences of all ages.

And as Shrek taught us, everything has layers. IP does too 🧅. Copyright protects creative works, while trade marks can protect names, characters and logos.

Explore copyright in the EU: https://t.co/LpWQAuHPHL

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

“Stay with the High(IP) Lord, human.”

ACOTAR has plenty of IP to explore: EU trade marks protect names from Sarah J. Maas’ literary worlds, while copyright sits at the heart of every story.

A new ACOTAR book is out today. Back to the Night Court with the Bat Boys! 🦇

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

When design gives people greater independence, its impact goes far beyond the product itself.

That purpose connected with the public, who chose @showeeshower as the 2026 DesignEuropa Public Choice Award winner.

🔹Get to know the winner: https://t.co/3ldxlNE5RZ

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Imagine a world without music, films, art, videogames… or even memes. Copyright helps creators keep control over how their work is used, shared and valued.

On International Artists Day, explore the EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre; https://t.co/LpWQAuHhSd

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

🎶 It's been a long time coming...

On 6 Oct 2026, an application to register Taylor Swift's voice as an EU sound mark was filed with the EUIPO and is currently under examination.

As AI makes voice replication easier, sound marks may help protect distinctive vocal identities.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Save the date 📅 | The 6th IP Mediation Conference, hosted by the EUIPO Boards of Appeal, is coming to the EUIPO in Alicante on 12–13 April 2027.
Join the IP mediation community to celebrate 15 years of mediation!
Programme online registration coming soon:
https://t.co/WbR2d84DJY

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

100 applications for Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications!

Since 1 December 2025, the EUIPO has received applications from 12 EU Member States, reflecting producers’ interest in protecting their products and gaining recognition across the EU.

[European Union Intellectual Property Office @EU_IPO]

Counterfeit goods detained in the EU reached a record high in 2025. Over 196 million items worth €6.3B were detained, up 67% from 2024.

The joint report by the EUIPO and the European Commission’s @EU_Taxud reveals the scale of counterfeiting in the EU.
🔗https://t.co/RILz6D31Wx