EUIPO has updated its guidelines for staff on the responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) tools.

It says the new framework “sets out how GenAI can be used safely and transparently across the Office, while maintaining human oversight, data protection and legal compliance”.

The guidance is set out in Communication No 1/2026, which replaces guidelines from 2023 and aligns the Office’s approach with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and relevant European Commission guidance on the responsible use of AI.

EUIPO says the updated guidelines introduce clear rules on prompting and information handling, particularly with regard to the protection of personal data, the verification of AI-generated outputs and the need for human oversight at all stages, and highlight that staff remain fully responsible for any content generated with AI tools and reminds colleagues that AI outputs must always be critically reviewed.

EUIPO introduced mandatory AI Driving Licence training in 2025 and this applies to all new colleagues joining the Office.

More details are available on this page on the EUIPO website, which includes a graphic on EUIPO’s responsible approach to AI (pictured above), information on AI governance, a summary of current usage of AI tools in the trade mark lifecycle and usage in other areas.