30 Years of the EU Trademark System: More Than 3.2 Million Applications

In 1996, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) began receiving applications for what was then the Community Trade Mark. Three decades later, the system, now known as the European Union Trade Mark (EUTM), has become one of the most widely used IP systems worldwide. By February 2026, more than 3.2 million applications had been filed, reflecting its growing importance for businesses across Europe and beyond.

The steady rise in filings highlights the increasing role of intellectual property in Europe’s economy. From 43,229 applications in its first year, annual filings reached nearly 197,000 in 2025. Key milestones include surpassing 1 million applications in 2011, 2 million in 2019, and 3 million in 2024.

Today, the system consistently receives between 170,000 and 200,000 applications each year, underlining sustained demand for EU-wide trade mark protection.