Full Guide
Η European Trademark Registration (EUTM - European Union Trademark) offers single protection in all countries of the European Union. The registration through the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) ensures that your trademark is protected from infringement and copying in 27 Member States.
In this guide, we will analyse the process, benefits and protection strategies a European Trademark.
What is European Trademark Registration?;
The EUTM is a single trademark covering all EU countries with a single application. Unlike national registrations, which are only valid in one country, the European Mark provides full legal protection at a pan-European level.
What can be registered as a European Trademark?;
- Verbal signals (names, trade names).
- Pictorial signs (logos, symbols).
- Combined signals (text + image).
- Sound signals (melodies or sound elements that characterize a brand).
Why choose European registration?;
The vesting through EUIPO offers significant advantages:
- Single protection in 27 countries with one application.
- Cost reduction compared to separate registration in each country.
- Legal protection against copying and counterfeiting across the EU.
- Increase in commercial value of your brand, allowing sale or licensing.
European Trademark Registration Procedure
1. Search for availability of the signal
Before you file an application, you should check whether your mark is available in the database of the EUIPO (eSearch Plus).
2. Selection of protection classes
Trademarks are classified into 45 classes of goods and services according to the International Classification of Nice.
3. Submitting an application to EUIPO
The application shall be submitted Online and includes:
- Description of the mark (word, logo, slogan).
- Selection of protection classes.
- Details of the applicant.
4. EUIPO examination and objection period
After submission, the EUIPO checks that the mark meets the legal requirements. If it is approved, it is published for 3 months, giving the right to objections from third parties.
5. Issue of EUTM certificate
If there are no objections or if they are rejected, the trademark is registered and applies to 10 years renewable.
Cost of European Trademark Registration
Η DARC Advertising provides the following values for registration EUTM:
| Service | Fees | Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration in 1 class | €850 | €650 | €1.500 |
| Registration in 2 classes | €900 | €650 | €1.550 |
| Registration in 3 classes | €1.050 | €650 | €1.700 |
The prices shown are valid for March 2025. In the course of time the current price list is on the website: Trademark
The cost covers drafting the application, managing the procedure and monitoring the approval from the EUIPO.
How to protect your European Mark
Vesting is only the beginning. To protect the EUTM, follow these steps:
1. Monitoring for violations
Use brand monitoring tools to detect unauthorised use.
2. Opposition to similar marks
If someone tries to patent similar mark, you can lodge an objection at EUIPO within 3 months old from its publication.
3. Legal actions against infringements
If you detect unauthorised use of your trademark, you can:
- Send to cease & desist letter (extrajudicial notice).
- File lawsuit for compensation and termination of use.
- Apply deletion of a similar mark from the register EUIPO.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not search availability before the application.
- You are not selecting the correct classes of protection, limiting the strength of the signal.
- You are not protecting the mark internationally, if you operate outside the EU.
- 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 undertakes the full registration process European Trademark, ensuring the protection of your brand in 27 EU countries. From the availability survey until the legal support, we offer complete solutions for the ultimate protection of your brand.
