Registering brand name in the EU [Archive]

VeryMark

17th November 2005, 12:03

Yes, Paniliakos, it's one of the services we offer.

A Community Trade Mark (CTM) registration can be obtained which covers the whole of the EU, i.e. all 25 member states (and any countries which join the EU subsequently), for a ten year term, renewable likewise.

Basic costs for CTM registration per mark and including our fees and official fees are, roughly, about (a) £900 -£950 on filing and (b) same on registration, for first three classes, plus (c) about £170 for each extra class on filing and registration and (d) £100 for reporting official search and publication, all excluding VAT and any special work on e.g. dealing with any objections (if any) that may arise.

This excludes VAT or any special or subsequent work such as advising on and dealing with any official objections or requirements or third party objections which may arise – it may be advisable to budget another £150 - £500 initially for this reason.

Figures are approximate in some cases as stated since the actual sterling amount depends on the exchange rate at the time as the official fees are paid in euro.

How easy registration is depends on what you are trying to register, i.e. whether the CTM Office might object that what is applied for does not qualify for registration as a trade mark (e.g. you can't register the word "brown" for shoes) or if a third party objects that it conflicts with their prior registration or application.

This also affects the time it takes, but if there are no problems then you can expect to get registration within about eighteen months – there is a mandatory three month period allowed for third parties to object.

In filing an application for trade mark registration, it is necessary to specify the goods and/or services in question according to the classification system used for this purpose. The cost depends on the number of classes listed, but up to three classes are included in the basic application. Registration provides protection for a term of ten years, with renewal fees payable at the end of every ten year term.

Detailed information is needed to be sure of covering all the relevant classes and drafting sufficiently comprehensive wording for each class specified - It is important to ensure that the correct class(es) are covered as, if you register for a description in a class which it later turns out is incorrect, the registration obtained may later be vulnerable to cancellation for non-use for the goods/services for which it is registered.

A single application for registration can only cover one trade mark.

I can forward further information if you give me your email address.