Benelux Trademark Registration (BOIP): One Trademark for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Benelux trademark registration gives you one trademark that protects your brand in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Applications are filed with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) in The Hague.
These three countries have no separate national trademark offices, so a Benelux registration is the only route below EU level. The Benelux follows first-to-file, so early filing matters. It is fast, low-cost and suits brands that sell mainly in the Benelux or want a back-up to an EU trademark.
On this page
Why register your trademark in Benelux
One filing for three markets
A single BOIP application protects your brand in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. That includes the logistics hubs of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Faster and cheaper than an EU trademark
BOIP fees are a fraction of EUIPO fees, and registration can follow in a few months. For brands focused on the Benelux, it is the most cost-effective option.
A safety net for your EU trademark
If an EU trademark is refused or opposed elsewhere in the EU, a Benelux registration keeps your core market protected.
Rights go to the first filer
Registration, not use, gives you exclusive rights. Filing early stops others from claiming your brand in the Benelux.
Our trademark services in Benelux
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Clearance in the BOIP register and in EU marks that also cover the Benelux.
Trademark registration
Class and specification strategy, and filing with BOIP in the right language.
Office action response
Responses to BOIP provisional refusals on distinctiveness and descriptiveness.
Opposition
Filing or defending oppositions, plus administrative invalidity and revocation actions at BOIP.
Renewal and recordals
10-year renewals tracked and filed on time, plus ownership transfers and licences.
Trademark watch
Alerts on conflicting Benelux and EU marks.
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your Benelux trademark consultants
- Benelux or EU advice: we tell you whether a Benelux mark, an EU trademark or both suit your plans and budget.
- Correspondence address covered: non-EEA owners need an EEA address for BOIP. We provide this through our Benelux associate attorneys.
- Opposition experience: we handle BOIP oppositions and cancellation actions end to end.
- 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 entering Europe.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
Benelux member states: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
A Benelux trademark covers all three countries automatically. You cannot register in just one of them.
| Country | Covered | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Yes, European territory | Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) has its own register |
| Belgium | Yes | |
| Luxembourg | Yes |
Not covered: Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have their own trademark offices. The rest of the EU needs an European Union trademark or national filings.
Trademark registration process in Benelux
Here is how to register a trademark in Benelux, step by step.
A Benelux trademark goes from online filing to registration in about 3 to 4 months if no one objects.
Filing (same day)
The application is filed online with BOIP. It names the applicant, the mark, and the goods and services by Nice class. Paris Convention priority can be claimed within 6 months of a first filing elsewhere.
Formalities check
BOIP checks the filing requirements, fees and the goods and services list, and assigns a filing date.
Publication (within days of filing)
The application is published in the BOIP register, which starts the opposition period.
Absolute grounds examination
BOIP examines whether the mark is distinctive, not descriptive and not contrary to public order. It does not refuse on earlier marks.
Opposition period (2 months)
Owners of earlier rights have 2 months from publication to oppose.
Registration
With no objection or opposition, BOIP registers the mark and issues the certificate. Accelerated registration is available for an extra fee if you need the certificate fast.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Benelux
Applicant details
Mark representation
Mark representation
Word mark text, or a JPG image for logos, with colours claimed if relevant.
Goods and services
Your list of goods and services by Nice class.
Priority details
Only if you claim priority.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
A straightforward Benelux application takes approximately 3 to 4 months from filing to registration. Accelerated registration can deliver the certificate within days, though the mark can still be opposed afterwards. Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date. It is renewed online for 10-year periods, with a 6-month grace period and a surcharge.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
We cover 190+ countries and regional offices. See every country we cover.
Register your trademark in Benelux today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Benelux. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.