Comprehensive Guide
Η trademark registration is a critical step for any business that wants to ensure the exclusive use of its brand and protect against copying or infringement. The trademark can be name, logo, slogan, or even a combination of these, allowing the company to be recognised in the market.
In this guide, we will look at the step-by-step trademark registration process, the options available in national, European and international level, and how you can ensure maximum legal protection for your brand. Trademark registration.
What is trademark registration?;
The registration of a trade mark is the official legal procedure which attributes to the holder exclusive rights of use in specific categories of products or services.
What is protected by trademark registration?;
- Business trade names
- Logos and symbols
- Slogans or phrases associated with the brand
- Colours or sound signals that are recognised as distinctive
Steps for the registration of a trademark
Trademark registration procedure
1. Checking the availability of the signal
Before filing an application, it is necessary to determine whether your trade mark is unique. You can search the following databases:
- OBI (Industrial Property Organization) for registration in Greece
- EUIPO for European registration
- WIPO for international registration through the Madrid System
This search ensures that your trademark is not already registered by another company, avoiding legal conflicts.
2. Selection of the appropriate protection classes
Legal registration of a trade mark
Trademarks are registered in specific classes of goods or services according to the International Classification of Nice.
Choosing the right classes is vital, as the protection only applies to the classes you select.
3. Submission of a registration application
Depending on the level of protection you want, registration can be done:
- In Greece through the OBI
- In the European Union through the EUIPO
- At international level through the WIPO (Madrid System)
The application includes:
- The details of the applicant
- The verbal or figurative mark
- The selected classes of protection
- The description of the signal
4. Examination by the competent authorities and objection period
Registration of a trade mark
After the application has been submitted, the competent authorities check that the mark meets the legal requirements.
If there are no obstacles, the mark is published and a period of time begins objections, where third parties may oppose its registration.
5. Issue of a trademark certificate
If there are no objections or if they are rejected, the decision shall be adopted. trademark certificate, which applies to 10 years renewable.
International trademark protection
If your business operates outside Greece, your trademark protection can be extended to other countries through:
- EUIPO for uniform protection in all EU countries
- WIPO (Madrid System) for registration in 120+ countries
- National registration in individual countries, if they do not participate in the Madrid System
How to protect your trademark after registration
Legal registration of a trade mark
Registering is the first step, but to ensure your trademark is protected, follow these strategies:
- Track the market for any copies or imitations.
- Submit an objection in case someone tries to register a similar mark.
- Assert your rights legally if you detect unauthorised use of your trademark.
- Renew your trademark registration before the end of the ten-year period.
Common mistakes to avoid - Registration of a trade mark
- You do not check availability, with the result that your trademark cannot be registered.
- You are not selecting the correct classes, which may limit your legal protection.
- You are not protecting the mark internationally, if your business operates outside Greece.
- You do not track the market, allowing competitors to use your brand.
- You do not renew the registration, leading to a loss of your rights.
What DARC Advertising can do for your business
Η DARC Advertising specializes in the trademark registration process, helping businesses protect their unique identity. From the availability survey until issue of the certificate, we ensure that your brand is effectively protected.
