The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has been named the world’s most innovative IP office for 2024 by World Trademark Review (WTR). This is the fifth time the office has received this honor, further consolidating its position as a leader in digital transformation and technological advancement in the IP field. WTR’s analysis found that “EUIPO is truly at the forefront of what a trademark office can offer its users” in terms of providing an unprecedented range of services.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) came in second in this year’s ranking, followed by IP Australia and the UK Intellectual Property Office. KIPO was previously ranked as the most innovative IP office alongside the European Intellectual Property Office in 2022. EUIPO was rated highly across all indicators in this year’s ranking, with a comment stating: “This result once again reflects EUIPO’s approach to pushing boundaries through innovation, and its unrivalled digital tools and services – including its cutting-edge use of artificial intelligence and blockchain.”
The selection was based on the online capabilities, value propositions and public outreach of 50 IP offices around the world, including website functionality, electronic application systems, online trademark databases, real-time chat functions, database and API interfaces, artificial intelligence and blockchain tools, etc. The selection was based on feedback from more than 100 IP practitioners and experts from 50 jurisdictions, one of whom said: "EUIPO is at the forefront in the use of technology and open dialogue with users and national patent offices."
Innovative applications of digital capabilities and artificial intelligence
An important indicator of this selection is the digital capabilities of the intellectual property office. EUIPO has performed well in this area, especially the new EUIPO website and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) functions launched in 2023. Users can search for case law using the search tools provided by EUIPO, and can automatically translate the judgments of the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the European Court of Justice into 23 languages. To date, the tool has translated approximately 300,000 judgment documents, greatly improving accessibility and efficiency for users across Europe.
Blockchain and API Innovation
WTR highly praised the EUIPO's work using application programming interfaces (APIs) and blockchain in its website, and the EUIPO is considered a "leader" in integrating blockchain technology into intellectual property services. "Blockchain Technology for Intellectual Property Registration" is a pioneering project that aims to enable secure, fast and direct connections between intellectual property offices and right holders. Seven EU IP offices, including Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Poland and Portugal, have joined the blockchain network and hope that by the end of next year, offices in all EU member states will be part of the network.
Recognition was also given to "EBSI-ELSA", a groundbreaking EUIPO initiative to combat counterfeit goods in global supply chains. EBSI-ELSA uses existing NFT platforms, private and public blockchains, track and trace solutions, and digital 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 every point, ensuring greater transparency and security.
Collaboration, expansion and future innovation
The EUIPO’s work on collaboration and awareness-raising was also rated highly, with the EUIPO’s social media presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram receiving particular praise.
