EUIPO launches new AI-powered screening tool
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has launched a new AI-based tool to highlight potential issues with trade marks before applicants file them.
The aim of the pre-assessment tool, known as Early TM Screening, is to make the filing journey smoother, simpler and less error-prone through early detection of problems.
A new approach to filing a trade mark
Users can enter their proposed trade mark details and relevant class(es) of goods and services into the system, which will instantly analyse a range of possible issues, including:
- Potential conflicts with earlier rights, such as existing EU trade marks, domain names or company names.
- Potential trade mark acceptability issues, namely based on absolute grounds for refusal, including non-distinctiveness (covering descriptiveness), deceptiveness, morality or public policy concerns, and conflicts with other IP rights such as plant varieties, geographical indications (GIs), traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG), and traditional terms for wine (TTW).
Once the screening is complete, users will receive a downloadable PDF report summarising identified risks and can then proceed directly to the e-filing form.
Potential benefits and limitations
While many of the checks were already available within the EUIPO’s e-filing forms, Early TM Screening brings them together in one dedicated tool.
The EUIPO states that its AI-driven checks undergo internal testing and pilot phases, with human oversight retained throughout.
One of the newest features is a pre-assessment check for non-distinctiveness or descriptiveness. This is an area of examination and is currently available in beta mode, allowing the Office to monitor performance and gather user feedback for future updates.
The EUIPO notes that the results provided are for information only and do not guarantee that a mark will ultimately be accepted.
We will always recommend that applicants seek advice from a qualified trade mark professional.
User support and guidance
The introduction of the Early TM Screening is the first user tool to be delivered under the EUIPO’s Strategic Plan 2030. The initiative supports the ‘total experience model’, centred around improving the customer experience by delivering innovative IP products and services.
To support applicants, the EUIPO has created a dedicated landing page with guidance on the pre-filing phase, examples of common absolute grounds for refusal, and tutorials on how to use the tool.
You can find out more about the Early TM Screening tool on the EUIPO’s website.