Η trademark registration (trademark) is a critical step in protecting your business by ensuring that your name, logo or slogan cannot be used by competitors. Proper registration prevents legal problems and enhances your brand awareness. In this guide, we will analyse how you can register your trademark in Greece and internationally, ensuring maximum protection.
What is a trademark and why should you register it?;
The trademark (trademark) is a distinctive element, such as name, logo, slogan, colours or even sounds, which sets your business apart from the competition.
Its registration is important because:
- Protects your brand identity from copying and falsification.
- Ensures exclusive rights of use in specific categories of products or services.
- Increases the commercial value of your business, even allowing the transfer or sale of the trademark.
- Facilitates legal action in case of illegal use of your trademark by third parties.
What are the steps to register a trademark?;
1. Search for availability of the signal
Before applying, you should check whether the trademark you want is available. This is done through:
- Of database of the Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) in Greece.
- Of EUIPO if you are interested in registration in the European Union.
- Of WIPO if you want international protection through the Madrid System.
The availability search prevents legal conflicts with already registered trademarks.
2. Selection of the appropriate protection categories (classes)
Trademarks are classified into classes, according to the International Classification of Nice.
- Products (e.g. clothes, cosmetics, food) if your company sells physical goods.
- Services (e.g. legal, advertising, technology) if you provide services.
Choosing the right classes is critical, as your trademark will only be protected in the classes you declare.
3. Submission of a trademark application
The registration process varies depending on the level of protection you want:
A) Trademark registration in Greece (OBI)
- The application shall be submitted to Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) through its online platform.
- It includes details of the applicant, a description of the mark and the classes of protection.
- The registration fees are paid.
B) Trademark registration in the European Union (EUIPO)
- The application shall be submitted to EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
- Provided by single protection in all EU countries.
C) International registration through WIPO (Madrid System)
- Submitted via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Allows vesting in over 120 countries with a single application.
4. Examination by the competent authorities and objection period
- The competent bodies shall examine the application for any conflicts with existing marks.
- If approved, it is formally published for possible objections from third parties.
- If there are no objections or if they are rejected, the mark is registered.
5. Issue of a trademark certificate
After completing the process, you receive official trademark certificate, which gives you full legal protection for 10 years renewable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Insufficient research on availability, which may lead to legal conflicts.
- Choice of a very general name, which may be rejected.
- Failure to renew the mark after 10 years.
- Lack of protection at international level, if you intend to operate outside Greece.
What DARC Advertising can do for your business
Η DARC Advertising specializes in trademark registration, helping businesses protect their unique identity. We provide comprehensive services for trademark registration national, European and international trademarks, ensuring your legal protection.
