EURid and EUIPO take a stand against .eu domain abuse

As part of their collaboration formalised in 2016, EURid and EUIPO have expanded their services to holders of a European Union trade mark (EUTM). Since the start of this collaboration, EUTM applicants can easily check if an equivalent .eu domain name is available, and ultimately register it with the accredited registrars (see the EURid website for more information).

Some people have taken advantage of early publication of EUTM applications and registered their EUTM as a .eu domain name in bad faith. Effectively reducing the risk of such cyber-squatting infringements requires adopting preventive actions, such as raising awareness and proactively informing EUTM holders.

As of 18 May, holders and applicants of a EUTM can opt-in to receive alerts as soon as a .eu domain name is registered that is identical to their EUTM (application). By receiving such alert, EUTM holders are informed much faster and may take appropriate action much sooner.

In addition, a second consecutive letter of collaboration has been signed between EURid and EUIPO at the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual meeting in Boston, strengthening cooperation between the two organizations.

With this collaboration, EURid and EUIPO have taken a stand against potential .eu domain abuse. To EURid, this is another important step towards a more transparent and trustworthy online .eu space, ensuring protection against potential fraudulent domain name usage.