Trademark Registration for the European Union

Trademark registration for the European Union

A European Union trademark registration secures the name, logo or other sign your business uses for its products or services throughout the EU. Before applying, verify that the sign is distinctive and does not infringe earlier owners’ rights.

For protection on the European Union market, pay particular attention to the EUIPO, the single unified procedure and strategic coverage of member states. A thoroughly prepared application reduces the risk of oppositions, office requests or having protection restricted later.

The first practical step is a search, which reveals whether similar or identical signs already exist. A search is not always mandatory, but it often determines whether the application is filed as it stands, the artwork is adjusted, the list of goods and services is changed or a more cautious strategy is chosen.

The second step is selecting the goods and services. A trademark does not protect a sign in general, only in specific areas of business, so the classes must be chosen and worded so that protection matches both current and planned use of the brand.

Once the application is filed, it is examined and published. At this stage the office may ask for additional information, or the owner of an earlier mark may file an opposition. Office requests and oppositions must be answered promptly and to the point; otherwise registration may be refused or restricted.

Expert help with trademark registration for the European Union

You can hand your German trademark registration over to specialists who will review your sign, recommend the right scope of protection, prepare the application and keep track of the proceedings. We help with searches, choosing classes, refining the list of goods and services, communicating with the office and responding to any official requests.

Our services include trademark registrations, renewals, assignments, licences, monitoring of new filings and advice on infringements. Our goal is a European Union application without avoidable errors and with minimal paperwork, of real value for online sales, licensing and international portfolios.