EU Trademark Submission
To begin with, let us give a clear definition of a trademark. A trademark is a distinctive symbol that helps users recognise your brand from competitors. EU trademark submission gives its owners exclusive rights for using a mark in all current and future countries of the European Union. A proprietor of the EU-registered trademark can be any natural or legal person including authorities established under public law. In the European Union, one can trademark a name, signs, words, designs, letters, numerals, colorous, shapes of goods or packaging of goods. To be eligible for registration, your trademark must be distinctive and must not describe what you sell. Adidas lost its three-stripe trademark in a European court battle as it was admitted “not distinctive enough”.
Source: https://unsplash.com
Benefits of Trademark Registration
Trademark submission in the European Union is not obligatory. You can use an unregistered trademark for promoting your business and services. Nevertheless, trademark submission opens exclusive rights to use, franchise, and sell your mark. To be more precise, it carries a wide range of benefits. Here they are:
- protection from plagiarism and protection of your business identity;
- safeguard of your reputation;
- a registered trademark can become your main marketing tool and help to position your goods and services on marketplaces;
- it provides you with legal rights to use the trademark and avoid reliance on common law rights which can be difficult to defend;
- It helps prevent the importation of counterfeit foreign goods.
The Cost of Trademark Submission in EU
So, a registered trademark in the EU gives you exclusive rights as well as grants you an extensive range of benefits. Here, it’s time to shed light on the matter that concerns the majority of readers. What is the cost of trademark submission in the European Union? In the EU, the registered mark cost starts from €850 for one class. The fee for the second class is €50, the fee for three or more classes is €150 for each class.
Please note that EUIPO only examines trademarks and processes any email related only AFTER they’re paid for. NO state fee refund is given in case IPO rejects your application. Chern & Co does NOT provide a refund for services provided in case your registration application is rejected either. Therefore, it’s important to plan the brand registration process beforehand as it can be refused with no refunds. You can go through a checklist on the European Union Intellectual Property Office to ensure that your application proceeds smoothly.
Trademark Submission in European Union with Chern & Co
At Chern & Co, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free trademark submission process to our clients. Don’t hesitate to contact our managers for a private consultation!
Disclaimer: The content of this page is for acquainting purposes only and is subject to change. It does not constitute any professional advice. No liability is accepted by Chern & Co for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional, legal or tax advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action.