Discover the risks and dangers of failing to register a trademark to understand the value and importance of trademark registration for your brand.
The Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
European Union Trademark Registration
Protect Your Brand in the European Union Through a Simple Process Backed by Certified Local Attorneys
Simple steps to register your trademark
The European Union trademark provides comprehensive protection across all 27 member states with a single registration. This includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
STEP 1
Comprehensive Trademark Study
Before filing your trademark in the European Union, you must evaluate any issues that may arise during the registration process. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study not only lists similar trademarks (graphic and phonetic) that may conflict with yours but also provides you with an Attorney's opinion on the trademark registration possibilities and the class(es) that your goods/services belong to.
- Graphic and phonetic similarity trademark search report
- Trademark attorney's analysis and advice
- Trademark class recommendation
STEP 2
Trademark Application Filing
Specialized attorneys will file your trademark application in the European Union and carry out all the necessary formalities to bring your application for approval and registration. As soon as your trademark is filed, we will send you a filing report that will include the application number and application date. Also, we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Filing the Report & a Scanned Copy of the application
- Tracking the Registration Process Online
Additional Services in the European Union
Discover how our services help protect and strengthen your brand in the European Union.
Trademark Search
Check if your trademark is available for registration with our easy-to-use search tool.
Search TrademarkTrademark Renewal
Renew your trademark to maintain uninterrupted protection for your brand.
Renew TrademarkDomain Registration
Safeguard your local domain with ease through our trusted partner, Register.Domains.
Search .EU DomainsFrom our Blog
National vs. International Trademark Registration
Discover how national and international trademark registration compare, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for you.
Commonly Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
Learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on trademark registrations to improve your trademark knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trademark applications should I submit?
The number of applications you should file depends on your mark's features, your budget, and the level of protection you want in the European Union.
If your trademark includes unique text and design elements (like graphics or logos) and you want both protected, we suggest filing two trademark applications; one for the text (as a "Word Mark") and another for the design (as a "Combined Mark").
Filing two applications offers these benefits:
If your trademark includes a slogan or a unique design symbol, consider filing separate applications for each to gain extra protection.
What actions are necessary to meet the trademark use requirement?
You need to use your trademark within 5 years of its registration date. It should be used in business activities, and transactions must take place in any EU member state.
Do I need to use my trademark before applying for registration?
No, you don't need to use the trademark or plan to use it before registering.
Do I need to provide a Power of Attorney?
Yes, you need to provide a basic scanned copy of a power of attorney.
What is the typical duration for trademark registration approval?
Typically, it takes about 6 months to get a trademark registered, as long as there are no objections or challenges.
What steps are involved in the trademark application process in the European Union after it has been submitted?
Once a trademark application is submitted in the European Union, it goes through an examination by the trademark authorities. They check for compliance with formal requirements, proper classification, and ensure the trademark is not deceptive, unclear, descriptive, or lacking distinctiveness. If the application meets these criteria, its details are published online. This includes the trademark itself, the applicant's name and address, the application date, the goods or services it covers, and any priority or seniority claims. During this publication period, others can oppose the trademark before it is officially registered.
Can you claim priority for a patent application in the European Union?
Yes. If the applicant's home country is a member of the Paris Convention or the World Trade Organization, they can use the date of their first application as the filing date in the European Union.
Does registering a trademark in the European Union grant me any rights?
Yes, registering your trademark is necessary to gain rights in the European Union. The EU follows a "first to file" rule, meaning the first person to register the trademark gets the rights.
If I register my trademark in the European Union, will it be protected in countries outside the EU?
Registering your trademark in the European Union means your protection is limited to the EU member countries.
Who is eligible to challenge my trademark registration?
Individuals or businesses that own a similar trademark registered before yours can challenge your trademark registration. Additionally, those who have been granted permission to use a similar trademark (licensees) can also contest the registration.
What is the duration of the opposition period?
The opposition period begins either on the date the application is published or one month after it is published by WIPO for an international application. It lasts for three months from the start date.
How long is a trademark valid after it has been registered?
After your trademark is registered, it will be valid for an initial period of 10 years, starting from the application date.
What does OHIM refer to?
OHIM used to mean "Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market," but this name has not been used since March 23, 2016. Now, it is called the "European Union Intellectual Property Office" (EUIPO), which is responsible for registering trademarks in the European Union.
Can a trademark registration be canceled?
Yes, you can cancel a registered trademark for several reasons, including:
- Infringement of ownership rights
- Marks that are descriptive
- Marks lacking distinctiveness
- Marks that are misleading
- Marks that are functional
- Copyright infringement
- Violations of rights under Articles 6bis, 6ter, 6septies, and 8 of the Paris Convention
- Issues with geographical indications
- Breaches of moral standards and public policy
- Non-use of the trademark
- Registration done in bad faith
What rights do you gain by registering a trademark?
Yes. Registering your trademark gives you several rights, including:
- The exclusive right to use the trademark
- The right to oppose later registrations that conflict with yours
- The right to request the cancellation of later conflicting registrations
- The right to take legal action against those who infringe on your trademark and seek damages
- The right to license your trademark to others
- The right to request the seizure of counterfeit goods
Still have questions?