New EUIPO Tool Helps You File with Confidence

The EUIPO has launched pre-assessment services in its EUTM Easy Filing form—a major step forward for making the EU trade mark system more user-friendly and reliable. This update supports the Office’s 2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to boost the quality and value of IP services across the board.

When the EUIPO first opened in 1994, filing a trade mark meant paperwork, postage, and CD-ROMs. Fast-forward to today, and most of that process is digital. Over the years, tools like TMview and Designview have made it easier to search and file online. The 2021 launch of EUTM Easy Filing helped simplify things further for individuals and small businesses in the European Economic Area. Now, pre-assessment checks add a new layer of support. These checks can flag if a mark is misleading, offensive in any EU language, too similar to an existing one, or clashes with things like plant varieties or domain names. While these results don’t replace formal examination, they give applicants helpful insights early—allowing smarter decisions and fewer surprises.

Despite growing awareness of intellectual property, most SMEs in the EU still don’t register trade marks or designs. That’s a missed opportunity: SMEs with registered IP earn 44% more revenue per employee than those without. The EUIPO’s push to simplify applications—especially for straightforward cases—helps remove barriers for smaller players. With more than 180,000 EUTM applications already filed in 2024, the momentum is clear. The upcoming launch of a standalone pre-assessment tool will make things even more accessible, encouraging more innovators to secure their rights with confidence.

Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or growing company, trade mark protection matters. The EUIPO’s new tools are making it easier to start, but expert guidance still makes all the difference. If you’re planning to file or just exploring your IP options, our team is here to help.

Text: ‘The Evolution of E-Filing’. EUIPO, https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/the-evolution-of-e-filing. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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