30 years of EUTM. Celebrating a European Trademark milestone.

In 2026, we celebrate 30 years of the European Union trade mark (EUTM). A system that radically simplified trademark protection across Europe. Gevers has been closely involved since the very beginning: helping shape the system, co-creating the vision, and guiding thousands of clients along the way.

From those first steps to tens of thousands of EU trademarks under our care, we’ve grown alongside the businesses we protect. And as we look to the future, that commitment remains unchanged.

Leading up to the anniversary on April 1st, we will be releasing an exclusive collection of podcasts and articles that dissect the past, present, and future of the EUTM system.

Discover our story through the featured videos, our in-depth podcast series, and personal reflections from our experts below.

 

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30 years of EU Trademark
law: 3 defining moments in one podcast series

The European trademark system has come a long way since the birth of the CTM in 1996. In this three-part podcast series, we revisit the pivotal moments that shaped the EUTM, together with the experts who were there, from day one to today.

1996–2005: The birth of the CTM:
Building a unified Trademark Europe 

Andries Quataert • Douglas R. Wolf • Tove Graulund • James Nurton
A podcast episode with Andries Quataert, Douglas R. Wolf and Tove Graulund: three key voices from the early days of the CTM. 
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1996–2005: The birth of the CTM: Building a unified Trademark Europe Watch this podcast Available

2006–2015: Expansion & recognition:
CTM becomes the EUTM

Veronique Pede • Dave Powell • Alexander von Mühlendahl • James Nurton
A podcast episode with Véronique Pede, Dave Powell, and Alexander von Mühlendahl. A talk on the rise, reach, and recognition of the European trademark system. 
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2006–2015: Expansion & recognition - CTM becomes the EUTM Watch this podcast Available

2016–2026: Innovation & the next chapter 


Pieter De Grauwe • Nicholas Foot • Jozefien Vanherpe • James Nurton
A podcast episode with Pieter De Grauwe, Jozefien Vanherpe and Nicholas Foot on evolving challenges, bold ambitions, and the future of trademark protection in Europe. 
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2016 - 2026: Innovation & the next chapter Watch this podcast Available

30 years of trademark
milestones. Also in writing.

Prefer reading over listening? We’ve captured the key moments, stories and reflections from our three-part podcast series on 30 years of the EU trademark system. A look back, through the words of those who shaped it, and a look ahead to the future of IP in Europe.

1996–2005: The birth of the CTM: Building a unified Trademark Europe

1996–2005: The birth of the CTM: Building a unified Trademark Europe

Read the blog

2006–2015: Expansion & recognition: CTM becomes the EUTM

Read the blog

2016–2026: Innovation & the next chapter of the EUTM

Read the blog

EUTM through the eyes of Gevers

How did the EUTM change GEVERS from the inside out? In these short videos, four colleagues, each from a different generation, reflect on the impact of the European trademark system.

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30 Years of EUTM: How the European Trademark milestone shaped Gevers (Andries Quataert)

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Strategizing in a digital world: The EUTM & the shift to e-commerce (Katia De Clercq)

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The power of a unified system: 30 years of European trademark impact (Bram Dejan)

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A living tool for innovation: The evolution of the EUTM (Emilie Arthuphel)

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