European Union Trademark (EUIPO)
European Union trademark (EU TM) represents a modern and effective way to obtain uniform legal protection for a brand across all European Union Member States through a single registration. It is a system that significantly simplifies intellectual property protection for entrepreneurs, startups and established companies operating or planning to operate in several European markets simultaneously. Registration of a European Union trademark is carried out by EUIPO (the European Union Intellectual Property Office), based in Alicante, Spain. EUIPO also maintains the register of European Union trademarks (TM View).
What can be protected by a European Union trademark
European Union trademark allows a wide range of signs to be protected. An important factor is that the sign intended to be registered as a European Union trademark (EU TM) must be registrable. These most commonly include signs such as a brand name, trade name, logo or slogan. Entrepreneurs (future trademark owners) generally handle two registrations simultaneously – a word mark and a figurative trademark. In addition to conventional word and figurative marks, it is also possible to register colours, product shapes, graphic elements or other distinctive signs that clearly identify your product or service on the market.
When is it worthwhile to file an EU TM application
It is worth applying for a European Union trademark as early as the stage when you are planning to do business outside the territory of the Slovak Republic. Registration of a European Union trademark is an absolute must-have when planning to expand into several European markets. Generally speaking, if you plan to operate in at least two EU countries, a European Union trademark is the strategically right choice. At the same time, it provides legal certainty regarding ownership of the sign in the future, even if the expansion takes place only later – this protects you in cases where, for example, you come up with an excellent brand name or slogan, from its use abroad by another entity and/or from the possible registration of such a sign by another entity (usually your competitor).
Validity and renewal of a European Union trademark
Registration of a European Union trademark is generally valid for ten years from the date of filing the application. After this period expires, the trademark may be renewed repeatedly for further ten-year periods, without any limit on the number of renewals. With proper use of the brand, protection can be practically unlimited in time. However, actual use of the trademark is important; otherwise, it may be cancelled.
Why a European Union trademark is important for your business
European Union trademark increases the value of the brand, strengthens the company's credibility and constitutes a significant intangible asset. It is crucial for licensing, franchising, attracting an investor or selling the company. It provides strong legal protection against imitation, unfair competition and misuse of the brand in both online and offline environments throughout the European Union.
Online consultation
- how to apply for registration of a European Union trademark (EU TM) before the EUIPO
- how to register a trademark in only certain countries
- how to expand a trademark to include territories, goods and/or services
- how to obtain a refund of part of the fee paid, Grant SME Fund
- what are the fees for registering a trademark in Slovakia, with the EUIPO, with WIPO, and for expansion
- what is the procedure before and after filing a trademark application
- what is the purpose of a trademark
- why it is important to search for a sign in relation to trademarks
- what if someone has filed an opposition against the registration of your trademark
- what if someone has registered a trademark for a sign that belongs to you
- what are the classes for trademarks
- how long is my trademark valid and how can I extend its validity
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