We wish to inform ECTA members that the EUIPO has published a new set of Boards of Appeal case-law research reports:

Trade marks

• Signs describing the subject matter of goods and services (May 2026) Available in EN ES DE FR IT
• Defining the scope of the indications of goods and services in trade mark specifications (February 2026) Available in EN ES DE FR IT

Designs

• Invalidity of a design dictated by its technical function pursuant to Article 9(1) EUDR (March 2026) Available in EN ES DE FR IT
• Impact of the Design Legal Reform on appeal proceedings (phase II) (June 2026) Available in EN ES DE FR IT

These reports, in addition to their purpose within the Boards of identifying case-law trends and to develop a common understanding of relevant legal issues and support consistency, are also used by the EUIPO as a basis for discussion of Common Practices with IP Offices and User Associations, including ECTA, to harmonise practices and standards.