Boards of Appeal
Research Reports
EUIPO's in-depth analysis of absolute and relative grounds for refusal, including distinctiveness, descriptiveness, likelihood of confusion, and similarity assessments.
Descriptiveness of marks designating geographical origin
2025/09
Absolute Grounds
Distinctiveness of shape marks that do not contain any additional distinctive figurative or word elements
2025/06
Absolute Grounds
Descriptiveness of names of colours
2025/03
Absolute Grounds
Descriptiveness of a sign suggesting the subject matter of advertising services
2024/02
Absolute Grounds
Evocation of geographical indications in absolute grounds
2023/06
Absolute Grounds
Lack of distinctiveness of marks designating geographical origin
2023/03
Absolute Grounds
Deceptiveness of marks designating geographical origin
2023/03
Absolute Grounds
Descriptiveness of marks designating geographical origin
2022/12
Absolute Grounds
Trade marks contrary to public policy or accepted principles of morality
2021/10
Absolute Grounds
The distinctive character of slogans
2021/10
Absolute Grounds
Similarity between food supplements and food/beverages
2025/06
Relative Grounds
The impact of animal depictions on the comparison of signs and likelihood of confusion
2025/05
Relative Grounds
Similarity between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
2024/11
Relative Grounds
Defining subcategories of goods and services in the case of partial use
2024/07
Relative Grounds
The link between the trade marks (Article 8(5) EUTMR)
2024/07
Relative Grounds
Complementarity of goods and services
2024/03
Relative Grounds
Global assessment of the likelihood of confusion between trade marks in cases where their similarity essentially resides in a weak or non-distinctive element
2023/12
Relative Grounds
Likelihood of confusion in the case of single-letter signs
2023/11
Relative Grounds
Acceptability of restrictions of goods and services (substance)
2023/06
Relative Grounds
Clear and precise definition of goods and services and implications in relative grounds proceedings
2022/10
Relative Grounds
Similarity between beers and other beverages
2022/07
Relative Grounds
The neutralisation principle
2022/07
Relative Grounds
Similarity between foodstuffs/drinks and services for providing food and drink
2022/03
Relative Grounds