Register a Trademark in the European Union

To register a trademark in the European Union (EU), means filling a trademark application in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), offers protection across all 27 EU member states with a single application. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective option for businesses aiming to operate in multiple European markets. It is a very polular way for businesses to enter EU markets.

Why Register a Trademark in the EU?

The European Union’s GDP represents around one-sixth of the global economy, making the region quite attractive for businesses. Also, thanks to economic agreements between members that are the core of the EU’s philosophy, expansion from a national to a cross-country level is easier in some regards – including trademarks and securing IP protection. Trademark registration on the European level gives the trademark owner access to legal protection for their brand in all member states with one single application.

 Who Can Register an EU Trademark?

• Any individual or legal entity can apply for an EU trademark, regardless of nationality or place of business. This includes:
• Individuals and companies based in EU member states
• Non-EU individuals or companies (although they may need to appoint a representative from the EU)
• There are no nationality or residency restrictions, making the EUTM accessible to global applicants.

Who Can Help with EUTM Fillings?

It is essential for applicants to turn to a specialized trademark or IP service agent like Tannet. As early as the year of 1999, Tannet starts its trademark or IP services for clients, and now has developed three entities, including Beijing Tannet, Shenzhen ATA and Hongkong ATA, with a team more than 100 people. Tannet has provided global trademark and patent services in more than 100 countries, covering intellectual property registration and management services, rights protection and litigation services, brand planning services and rights transfer services.

How to Register a European Union Trademark (EUTM)

Here are the main step to fille a trademark applications:

• Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, it’s advisable to check if similar trademarks already exist. This can be done through service provider like Tannet.

• Prepare Your Application

You’ll need to provide:

The applicant’s details;

A clear representation of the mark (word, logo, etc.);

A list of goods/services classified under the Nice Classification.

• File the Application

Submit your application through the EUIPO website.

• Examination by EUIPO

EUIPO examines the application to ensure compliance with formal requirements and checks for absolute grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptiveness, lack of distinctiveness).

• Publication and Opposition Period

If accepted, the trademark is published in the EU Trademark Bulletin. Third parties have 3 months to oppose the registration.

• Registration

If no oppositions are filed (or if oppositions are unsuccessful), the trademark is officially registered and valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

How long does it take to register a trademark in the EU?

Trademark registration in the EU takes about 4 months on average (provided there are no objections or opposition proceedings). So it is one of the quickest regions to get a trademark registered around the world.

Before entering a market, you are advised to protect your brand or trademark first. Should you have further query, please feel free to contact Tannet through visiting https://tannet-group.net/ or calling at 00852-27837818.