Global Trademark
EU Trademark Registration (EUIPO): One Trademark for All 27 EU Countries
EU trademark registration gives you a single European Union trade mark (EUTM) that protects your brand in all 27 EU member states. Applications are filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, Spain. You file once online, in one language, with one set of fees.
The EUTM is a unitary right: it is granted, renewed, transferred and enforced as one mark across the whole EU. The EU follows first-to-file, so early filing matters. For brands selling into Europe, it is usually the most cost-effective way to secure the market.
On this page
EU trademark registration at a glance
- IP office
- European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Alicante, Spain; covers all 27 EU member states as one right
- Law
- EU Trade Mark Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 (EUTMR)
- System
- First-to-file
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Multi-class filing
- Yes, one application can cover several classes
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, the EU can be designated in an international registration
- Language
- Any EU official language, plus a second language: English, French, German, Italian or Spanish
- Opposition period
- 3 months from publication
- Typical timeline
- 4 to 6 months if no objection or opposition
- Validity
- 10 years from filing, renewable for 10-year periods
- Official fees
- USD 950 for one class (online), USD 60 for a second class
- Power of attorney
- No notarisation or legalisation; an authorisation only if EUIPO asks for one
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register an EU trademark
One right for a market of 27 countries
A single EUTM covers every EU member state. You file once instead of 27 times, and protection extends automatically to countries that join the EU later.
Lower cost than national filings
The EUIPO fee for one class costs less than filing nationally in two or three large EU markets. One renewal keeps the whole EU protected.
Use in one country can protect the whole EU
Genuine use in the EU, even in one member state in some cases, can keep it alive in all 27 countries.
Stronger position with Amazon, customs and distributors
An EUTM qualifies for Amazon Brand Registry in EU marketplaces and EU-wide customs protection. It also supports clean distribution agreements with European partners.
Our EU trademark services
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Clearance at EUIPO and in key national registers before filing.
Trademark registration
EUIPO filing with a class and specification strategy using the harmonised term database.
Office action response
Responses to EUIPO objections on distinctiveness and the goods and services list.
Opposition
Filing or defending oppositions, including cooling-off, settlement and evidence.
Renewal and recordals
10-year renewals tracked and filed on time, plus transfers, licences and name changes recorded at EUIPO.
Trademark watch
Alerts on conflicting EU and national marks, with opposition advice.
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your EU trademark consultants
- Route advice first: we tell you whether an EUTM, national filings or a Madrid designation suits your plans.
- EEA representation covered: non-EU applicants need an EEA representative. We handle this through our EU-qualified associate attorneys.
- Opposition experience: most EU disputes are won or lost at opposition. We manage cooling-off, settlement and evidence.
- Fixed written quotes: official and professional fees confirmed in writing before you instruct us.
- Offices in UAE, India, UK and Canada: we serve brand owners expanding into Europe from the Middle East and Asia.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
EU member states covered by an EU trademark
An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states automatically. You cannot pick or exclude individual countries.
Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Latvia · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden
Not covered by an EUTM:
- United Kingdom: not covered since Brexit (1 January 2021). File separately with the UKIPO.
- Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein: not EU members. File nationally or through Madrid.
- Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine and other candidate countries: file nationally or through Madrid.
- Overseas territories: some territories of EU states may not be covered. Check before relying on the EUTM there.
EU trademark registration process
Here is how to register an EU trademark, step by step.
An EUTM goes from online filing to registration in about 4 to 6 months if no one opposes.
Filing (same day)
The application is filed online with EUIPO. It names the applicant, the mark, the goods and services by Nice class, and the first and second languages. Paris Convention priority can be claimed within 6 months of a first filing elsewhere.
Formalities and classification check
EUIPO checks the filing date requirements, fees and the goods and services list. Terms from the harmonised database speed this up; unclear terms draw an objection.
Absolute grounds examination
EUIPO examines whether the mark is distinctive, not descriptive and not contrary to public policy anywhere in the EU. It does not refuse on earlier rights.
Publication
The application is published in the EU Trade Marks Bulletin.
Opposition period (3 months)
Owners of earlier rights have 3 months from publication to oppose. Oppositions start with a 2-month cooling-off period for settlement.
Registration
With no opposition, or after one is rejected, EUIPO registers the mark and issues an electronic certificate.
Renewal (every 10 years)
The registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and is renewed online for further 10-year periods.
Ready to file in European Union?
File your trademarkStart your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for EU trademark registration
Applicant details
Full name, address, and nationality or place of incorporation.
Mark representation
Word mark text, or a JPG image for logos. EUIPO also accepts sound, motion and other formats for non-traditional marks.
Goods and services
Your list of goods and services by Nice class.
Priority document
Only if you claim priority. File the details at filing; the copy may be requested.
Authorisation for the representative
Only if EUIPO requests it.
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants (EUIPO)
Foreign applicants for an EU trademark need no notarised or legalised power of attorney. EUIPO does not normally require an authorisation to be filed, unless it asks for one. Applicants based outside the EEA can file themselves but must appoint an EEA professional representative for objections, oppositions and renewals. EEA-based applicants can act directly. We send a ready-to-sign authorisation the same day you instruct us.
EU trademark registration fees
Fees in USD. We confirm the full cost in writing before you instruct us.
| Service | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Filing/ Application fee · (Online) | 950 |
| Each Additional class | 60 |
* Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
A straightforward EU trademark takes approximately 4 to 6 months from filing to registration, and Fast Track can shorten examination. An opposition often adds 1 to 2 years, depending on the cooling-off period and evidence. Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date. You can renew online from 6 months before expiry, with a 6-month grace period and a 25% surcharge.
EU trademark law and EUIPO
EU trade marks are governed by the EU Trade Mark Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 and its delegated and implementing regulations. EUIPO, based in Alicante, Spain, examines and registers EUTMs. It also decides oppositions, revocations and invalidity actions.
Appeals go to the EUIPO Boards of Appeal, then the EU General Court. Infringement is decided by designated EU trade mark courts in each member state.
EU trademark vs national filings vs Madrid
For most non-EU brands selling across Europe, we recommend an EUTM. National filings make sense where only one or two EU markets matter, or where the mark may face objections in some languages.
| EU trademark (EUIPO) | National filings | Madrid designating the EU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All 27 EU states | One country per filing | All 27 EU states |
| Choice of countries | No, unitary | Yes | No for the EU part |
| Cost for 3+ EU countries | Lower | Higher | Low, if you already need other Madrid countries |
| Refusal in one language or country | Refuses the whole EUTM; convert to national filings | Affects only that country | Refuses the EU designation |
| Home mark needed first | No | No | Yes, plus 5-year dependency on the home mark |
| Representation for non-EU owners | EEA representative for proceedings | Local agent per country | EEA representative if refused or opposed |
| Suits | Brands selling across the EU | One or two key EU markets | Portfolios filing in many countries at once |
A refused or opposed EUTM can be converted into national applications in countries where the problem does not apply. The original filing date is kept.
Use requirements and non-use cancellation
No proof of use is needed to register or renew an EUTM. Once registered, the mark must be put to genuine use in the EU within 5 years. After that, an unused mark can be revoked for non-use and cannot be enforced against later marks.
Use in one member state may be enough, depending on the scale and market. Keep evidence: EU invoices, websites selling to EU customers, packaging and advertising.
Opposition, objections and appeals
EUIPO objections
If EUIPO finds the mark descriptive or non-distinctive, it issues an objection with a 2-month deadline to respond, extendable on request.
Opposition
Owners of earlier EU, national or international marks, and some unregistered rights, can oppose within 3 months of publication. A 2-month cooling-off period allows settlement, extendable up to 24 months. If the earlier mark is more than 5 years old, the applicant can demand proof of its use.
Appeals
EUIPO decisions can be appealed to the Boards of Appeal within 2 months, then to the EU General Court and the Court of Justice. After registration, third parties can seek revocation or invalidity at EUIPO or by counterclaim in court.
Trademark enforcement and infringement in the EU
An EUTM can be enforced across all 27 member states. A single EU trade mark court can grant an injunction with effect throughout the EU.
What counts as infringement
Using an identical or similar sign for identical or similar goods or services, where confusion is likely, counts as infringement. So do taking unfair advantage of a reputed mark and importing or selling counterfeits.
Your enforcement options
- Cease-and-desist letter: often resolves infringement without court costs.
- EU trade mark courts: designated national courts can grant EU-wide injunctions, damages and destruction of goods.
- Customs application for action: one application covers all EU customs authorities to detain counterfeit imports, free of charge through the IP Enforcement Portal.
- Online takedowns: remove infringing listings on Amazon, other marketplaces and social media, supported by the Digital Services Act rules.
- EUIPO invalidity actions: cancel bad-faith or conflicting registrations of your brand.
How Legacy Partners Global helps
Our EU trademark consultants coordinate cease-and-desist letters, customs applications, marketplace takedowns and litigation with EU counsel in the relevant country.
What to know before filing in the EU
Search beyond EUIPO
Earlier national marks in any member state can block your EUTM through opposition. Search key national registers too.
Draft the specification carefully
Use harmonised terms and list goods you will actually sell. Overly broad lists invite oppositions and non-use attacks.
The UK needs its own filing
Since Brexit, an EUTM does not cover the United Kingdom. File with the UKIPO at the same time to keep the same priority date.
Client stories
Businesses that protected their brands in European Union with us.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for European Union trademark registration and brand protection services. Their team provided expert guidance throughout the EU trademark filing process, ensuring smooth documentation, timely communication, and professional support at every stage. Their expertise in international intellectual property services helped us secure and protect our brand across the European market.
Client, European UnionTrademark registration in European Union
Working with Legacy Partners for EU trademark registration was a seamless experience for Cochin Bakes. Their knowledgeable team handled the trademark filing and brand protection process efficiently with excellent communication and reliable support throughout. We highly appreciate their professionalism and expertise in European intellectual property services.
Client, European UnionTrademark registration in European Union
* Client stories are shared with permission.
EU trademark registration: FAQ
How long does EU trademark registration take?
Approximately 4 to 6 months if no objection or opposition is filed. An opposition can add 1 to 2 years.
How much does EU trademark registration cost?
Official fees are USD 950 for one class filed online and USD 60 for a second class. We confirm the full cost, including our professional fee, in writing before anything is filed.
How long is an EU trademark valid?
10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
Can I file one application for several classes?
Yes. One EU application can cover several classes, with fees rising for each extra class.
How do I choose an EU trademark consultant?
Check that they advise on EUTM versus national and Madrid routes and work with EEA representatives. They should also handle oppositions and quote fees separately.
Is a UK or national trademark valid across the EU?
No. A UK registration covers only the UK, and a national registration covers only its own country. Since 1 January 2021 an EUTM does not cover the UK either.
What can I do if someone copies my trademark in the EU?
Send a cease-and-desist letter, file a customs application, request marketplace takedowns or sue in an EU trade mark court for an EU-wide injunction.
Does the EU follow first-to-file?
Yes. The first applicant generally gets the rights, so file before you launch in Europe.
Do I need to use my EU trademark before filing?
No. But genuine use in the EU is required within 5 years of registration, or the mark becomes vulnerable to revocation.
Do I need to file my EU trademark in every EU language?
No. You file in one EU official language and choose a second language. Check that the mark has no unwanted meaning in any of the 24 languages.
Can I designate the EU through the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The EU is a Madrid member and can be designated in an international registration based on your home mark.
What documents do I need, and does the power of attorney need notarisation or legalisation?
Applicant details, the mark, your goods and services by class and any priority details. No notarisation or legalisation is needed, and an authorisation is filed only if EUIPO asks.
Insights on EU trademark protection
Global TrademarkTrademark registration in other European markets
Register your EU trademark today
Speak to our EU trademark consultants. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
Reviewed by Hashim Wafa, Corporate & Cross-Border IP LawyerLicensed trademark attorney
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.