The main role of the Court of Justice of the European Union is to ensure that EU laws are applied uniformly and respected throughout the EU. Many of the early judgments of the Court established key principles that have shaped EU law. These judgments were needed to solve real problems that people faced in their lives and that companies faced in their business dealings.

In a series of landmark rulings throughout its history, the Court has reinforced the effectiveness of EU law and strengthened the rights of EU citizens.

The EU stands against discrimination in many forms and the Court of Justice of the European Union plays a crucial role in applying the EU’s anti-discrimination rules to real-life situations. Through its rulings, the Court has clarified the rights of employees, ensuring that these anti-discrimination rules, which address discrimination based on factors such as religion, ethnicity and disability, are uniformly and correctly applied all over the EU. The Court has also provided legal clarity on issues relating to other aspects of our lives where gender or ethnic discrimination may arise.

EU law grants strong protections to consumers, aiming to ensure fair treatment in their dealings with businesses – especially in areas like contracts, product safety and clear information. On several occasions, the Court of Justice of the European Union has played a crucial role in clarifying and strengthening these protections. From shielding consumers against unfair contract terms to upholding their rights while shopping online, the Court has helped to shape and enforce the rights of consumers across the EU.

EU law requires equal treatment of men and women in the workplace. The Court of Justice of the European Union has applied these rules to cases brought before it for more than 50 years. These cases have addressed crucial issues including gender equality at work, equal pay and benefits, and the dismissal of employees due to pregnancy. Through these cases, the Court has shaped how EU laws are interpreted and applied to protect individuals from gender-based discrimination. 

Over the years, the Court of Justice of the European Union has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of sport. It has ruled on issues including the free movement of athletes, competition law and the broadcasting of sport. Through landmark cases, including Bosman, the Court has impacted how sport is organised, how athletes are treated, and how we can watch sport across Europe.

Access to higher education, financial help for studies abroad, determining which country’s student financing rules apply to the children of cross-border workers: all of these issues have been the subject of a number of rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union. By deciding such cases, the Court has helped resolve problems faced by young people travelling within the EU to study, ensuring fair treatment in access to education.

Intellectual property plays an important role in the economic life of the European Union, particularly through the use of trade marks and designs. Trade marks enable companies to safeguard their brands while helping consumers to identify the origin of the product or service. Since the mid-1990s, it has been possible to register and protect trade marks at EU level. However, not everything can be registered as an EU trade mark, as this could conflict with other people’s rights.

Similarly, protection can also be granted to designs that are novel and have individual character.

In disputes over what can be protected, the General Court of the European Union interprets and applies EU trade mark and design law.