Trademark Registration in Romania: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark registration in Romania is administered by the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (Oficiul de Stat pentru Invenții și Mărci — OSIM), the central government authority responsible for the filing, examination, publication, and registration of trademarks in Romania. OSIM operates under the Government of Romania and its procedures are fully harmonised with EU IP law as required by Romania’s membership of the European Union since 2007. The Romanian trademark system follows a first-to-file principle and includes formal and substantive examination prior to registration, consistent with the EU Trade Mark Directive 2015/2436. Romania is a full EU Member State, a NATO member (joined 2004), a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, and the TRIPS Agreement, and is a signatory to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks. Romania is not yet a Eurozone member but is committed to adopting the euro upon meeting the convergence criteria.
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Introduction
Romania is the largest country in southeastern Europe by area and population, sharing borders with Ukraine and Moldova to the north and northeast, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, and Hungary to the northwest, with a coastline on the Black Sea to the southeast. Bucharest, the capital, is one of Eastern Europe’s largest and most dynamic cities and a significant regional financial, commercial, cultural, and technology hub. Romania’s economy is among the fastest-growing in the EU, driven by a large and well-educated workforce, a thriving ICT and software outsourcing sector (Romania has produced globally recognised technology companies and has one of Europe’s fastest internet speeds), automotive manufacturing (Dacia, owned by Renault, is Romania’s flagship automotive brand and a major European export industry), agriculture, energy, and a growing financial services sector. Romania acceded to the EU in 2007 and has benefited significantly from EU structural and cohesion funds, which have driven infrastructure development and economic convergence. Romania is also a significant Black Sea coastal state with growing strategic importance in the context of NATO’s eastern flank. As a full EU Member State, Romania’s trademark framework is fully integrated with the EU IP system — meaning an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) registered with EUIPO automatically covers Romania, while national filings with OSIM provide an additional layer of domestic protection.
Why register your trademark in Romania
Exclusive Rights: Grants exclusive legal ownership and the right to use your trademark throughout Romania for the registered goods and services, with statutory priority over later conflicting marks under the first-to-file system.
Legal Enforcement: Enables enforcement through OSIM, the Romanian courts (with Bucharest Tribunal having specialised IP jurisdiction), and customs authorities, with civil, administrative, and criminal remedies fully integrated with EU enforcement standards.
Nationwide & EU Customs Protection: Secures protection across the entire Romanian territory and enables anti-counterfeiting enforcement through the Romanian Customs Authority (Autoritatea Vamală Română) within the EU Customs Union framework, including along Romania’s EU external borders with Ukraine and Moldova.
EUTM Strategy & Fallback: A Romanian national trademark provides an independent prior right that can oppose conflicting EUTM applications and serves as a national fallback against EU-wide EUTM revocation proceedings.
ICT Hub, Automotive & Eastern EU Gateway: Romania’s growing ICT sector, its automotive industry anchored by Dacia/Renault, and its position as an EU entry point from the Black Sea and Eastern Europe make it strategically important for technology, automotive, logistics, and energy brands.
Asset Value: A registered trademark benefits from the full EU IP enforcement toolkit and is commercially important in one of the EU’s fastest-growing economies with a population of approximately 19 million.
Important: EU Trade Mark (EUTM) vs. Romanian National Trademark
As a full EU Member State, Romania is covered by the EU Trade Mark (EUTM) system administered by EUIPO in Alicante, Spain. A single EUTM registration covers all 27 EU Member States, including Romania, and is generally the most cost-effective route to pan-EU brand protection. However, a Romanian national trademark registered with OSIM may be strategically preferable in certain circumstances:
Where an EUTM application or registration is challenged on relative grounds based on a prior Romanian national mark, an OSIM registration provides a stronger defensive position in Romanian proceedings.
Where the applicant seeks protection only in Romania (or a limited number of EU states), and pan-EU EUTM coverage is not required or cost-justified.
Where an EUTM faces revocation risk due to non-use across all EU member states, a Romanian national registration provides an independent national fallback.
Where Romania-specific enforcement through OSIM’s administrative proceedings or the Romanian courts is preferred for particular dispute resolution strategies.
Where rapid Romanian national protection is needed, noting that OSIM’s 6–12 month timeline is competitive with the EUTM timeline for unchallenged applications.
Legacy Partners advises clients on the optimal combination of EUTM and national Romanian trademark protection based on their specific commercial objectives and IP portfolio strategy.
Our trademark services in Romania
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search of the OSIM register, EUIPO database, and WIPO Madrid Database to identify potential conflicts before filing.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Romanian national trademarks — handled by qualified Romanian IP attorneys and agents.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Romanian trademark protection, with proactive deadline monitoring and docketing.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of OSIM, EUIPO, and WIPO Madrid publications to identify potential conflicts across Romania and the EU.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers, corporate mergers, and restructuring recordals with OSIM.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license, franchise, or expand your brand within Romania and across the EU Single Market and Eastern European markets.
Opposition & Enforcement
End-to-end representation in opposition before OSIM, appeal to the Bucharest Court of Appeal, and civil and criminal infringement proceedings.
Customs Recordal & Anti-Counterfeiting
Recordal of trademarks with the Romanian Customs Authority (Autoritatea Vamală Română) and enforcement through the EU Customs Union framework, including along Romania’s EU external borders.
Trademark registration process in Romania
Here is how to register a trademark in Romania, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Romania. Legacy Partners manages each stage on your behalf — from initial clearance through to issuance of the registration certificate by OSIM.
Romania Trademark Search & Application
We begin with a comprehensive availability search across the OSIM register, the EUIPO register (for EUTMs with effect in Romania), and the WIPO Madrid Database to identify potential conflicts before filing. Once clearance is confirmed, the application is prepared in Romanian and filed with OSIM electronically or in hard copy — either as a national filing or as the national phase of a Madrid Protocol designation. Legacy Partners manages all documentation, translation, and power of attorney requirements on the client’s behalf.
Formal & Substantive Examination
OSIM conducts a formal examination followed by a substantive examination on absolute grounds (distinctiveness, descriptiveness, deceptiveness, public order, official emblems, and geographical indications), fully consistent with EU Trade Mark Directive 2015/2436 standards and EUIPO examination practice. OSIM does not conduct ex officio relative grounds examination — prior rights holders must monitor and oppose. Office actions must be responded to within prescribed deadlines. EU and EEA residents may file directly; non-EU/EEA applicants may require representation through a Romanian IP attorney or agent.
Acceptance and Publication
Once the application clears examination, the mark is published in the Official Gazette of OSIM (Buletinul Oficial de Proprietate Industrială — BOPI), opening a three-month window for third-party opposition, extendable upon application.
Opposition Period
Third parties holding prior rights may file an opposition within three (3) months from the date of publication in the BOPI (extendable). Grounds include identity or similarity with an earlier registered Romanian mark, an EUTM, an internationally registered mark designating Romania, or a well-known mark. Oppositions are heard by OSIM, with appeal available to the Bucharest Court of Appeal and ultimately the High Court of Cassation and Justice of Romania.
Registration & Certificate
If no successful opposition is raised, OSIM registers the mark in the Romanian Trademark Register, issues a Certificate of Registration, and publishes the registration in the BOPI. The mark is then fully enforceable against third parties throughout Romania.
Validity & Renewal
The trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and is renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods on payment of renewal fees to OSIM. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry, subject to a late renewal surcharge.
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Documents required for trademark registration in Romania
Applicant name & business entity (individual or company, with registered address)
Trademark details (word mark, figurative/logo, combined, 3D, colour, sound, or other non-traditional mark)
Classes of goods and/or services (Nice Classification)
Power of attorney (signed by an authorised signatory; apostille or legalisation required for non-EU/EEA applicants where applicable)
Specimen or representation of the mark (for figurative or non-standard marks)
List of goods/services (in Romanian, clear and precise specification)
Priority documents (if claiming convention priority under the Paris Convention)
Certified Romanian translation of any supporting document not originally in Romanian
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approximately 6 to 12 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections or oppositions — one of the faster processing timelines among Eastern EU national trademark offices, reflecting OSIM’s investment in digital filing infrastructure and EU-harmonised examination procedures. Where a Madrid Protocol designation is used, the timeline may vary. Cases involving oppositions will extend beyond this range.
Validity and renewal
The trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods by paying renewal fees to OSIM. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry, subject to a late renewal surcharge. The trademark must be put to genuine use in Romania within five years of registration; failure to do so may expose the mark to revocation on non-use grounds upon the application of any interested third party before OSIM or the competent court. The genuine use standard is applied in conformity with CJEU jurisprudence on EU trademark law.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Romania is principally governed by Law No. 84/1998 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (Legea nr. 84/1998 privind mărcile și indicațiile geografice), as substantially amended by Law No. 112/2020 implementing EU Trade Mark Directive 2015/2436. The Law is supplemented by the Civil Procedure Code for court enforcement, the Criminal Code (Codul Penal) for criminal enforcement of trademark rights, and the Customs Code for border measures. Romania is a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the TRIPS Agreement, and is a signatory to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks. As an EU Member State, Romanian trademark law is interpreted in conformity with EUIPO Guidelines and Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) jurisprudence. EU Regulation 2017/1001 (EU Trade Mark Regulation) applies directly in Romania for EUTM matters.
Trademark Classes Romania (Nice Classification)
Romania follows the Nice Classification system, categorising trademarks into 45 classes — 34 for goods (Classes 1–34) and 11 for services (Classes 35–45). OSIM permits multi-class applications, and the specification of goods and services must be filed in Romanian and must be clear, precise, and consistent with Nice Classification standards applied by OSIM in conformity with EUIPO practice. Expert guidance on class selection is particularly important for Romania’s key sectors: automotive and manufacturing (Classes 7, 12, 37), ICT and software services (Classes 38, 42), energy and utilities (Class 4), agricultural and food products (Classes 29, 30, 32, 33), pharmaceuticals and healthcare (Classes 5, 44), financial services (Class 36), and tourism and hospitality (Classes 39, 43).
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 Romania: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in Romania?
Trademark registration in Romania typically takes approximately 6 to 12 months from the filing date through to issuance of the registration certificate by OSIM, in a straightforward case without objections or oppositions. This is one of the faster processing timelines among Eastern EU national trademark offices.
Should I register an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) or a Romanian national trademark?
For most businesses seeking coverage across multiple EU Member States, an EUTM registered with EUIPO is the most cost-effective route, providing protection across all 27 EU Member States including Romania. A Romanian national trademark is strategically preferable where: you need only Romanian territory coverage; you want a national prior right to oppose conflicting EUTMs; you need a national fallback against EUTM revocation; or you prefer OSIM proceedings for specific dispute resolution. Legacy Partners advises on the optimal EUTM-versus-national strategy for each client.
Does an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) cover Romania?
Yes. Romania is a full EU Member State, and an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) registered with EUIPO automatically provides trademark protection throughout Romania without any additional national filing requirement. A Romanian national trademark registered with OSIM provides an independent layer of domestic protection that coexists with EUTM coverage.
Do I need a local representative to file a trademark in Romania?
EU and EEA residents may file directly with OSIM without local representation. Applicants domiciled outside the EU/EEA may be required to act through a Romanian IP attorney or agent. Legacy Partners provides full local representation through its network of OSIM-accredited professionals in Bucharest.
Are multi-class trademark applications permitted in Romania?
Yes. OSIM permits multi-class applications. A single application may cover multiple classes of goods and/or services, with an additional official fee payable for each class beyond the first.
What is the validity period of a trademark registration in Romania?
A trademark registered in Romania is valid for 10 years from the filing date and is renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, subject to timely payment of the renewal fee to OSIM. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry.
What language is required for filing in Romania?
All filings before OSIM must be in Romanian, the sole official language of Romania. Legacy Partners manages all translation and document preparation requirements on behalf of clients filing from non-Romanian-speaking jurisdictions.
What is the opposition period after publication in Romania?
The opposition period in Romania is three (3) months from the date of publication in the OSIM Official Gazette (BOPI), extendable upon application. Third parties holding prior rights — including prior Romanian national marks, EUTMs, and international registrations designating Romania — may file an opposition within this window.
Is Romania a member of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. Romania is a member of the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks. A WIPO international application can designate Romania as part of a multi-country filing strategy, enabling cost-effective simultaneous trademark protection across multiple jurisdictions alongside the EUTM route.
Does Romania use the euro?
No. Romania has not yet adopted the euro and continues to use the Romanian Leu (RON) as its official currency. Romania is committed to Eurozone accession upon meeting the EU convergence criteria. All OSIM trademark fees are denominated in RON. Legacy Partners presents fees in USD-equivalent for international client convenience, and exchange rate fluctuations should be considered when budgeting for Romanian trademark filings.
How does CJEU case law affect trademark registration in Romania?
As an EU Member State, Romania applies the EU Trade Mark Directive and is bound by the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on trademark law. OSIM examination practice and Romanian court decisions on trademark matters must be consistent with CJEU rulings on distinctiveness, likelihood of confusion, non-use revocation, and other trademark law principles. This means that legal strategies and precedents developed in EUIPO or other EU member state proceedings are directly applicable and relevant to Romanian trademark proceedings.
Does Romania recognise well-known marks?
Yes. As an EU Member State and member of the Paris Convention, Romania extends enhanced protection to well-known marks under Article 6bis of the Paris Convention, the EU Trade Mark Directive, and Law No. 84/1998 as amended. Well-known mark status may be invoked in opposition and cancellation proceedings before OSIM even where the mark is not registered in Romania.
Can I assign or licence my trademark in Romania?
Yes. A registered Romanian trademark may be assigned or licensed, in whole or in part. Assignments and licences must be recorded with OSIM in the Romanian Trademark Register to be enforceable against third parties, consistent with EU harmonisation requirements.
What is the significance of Romania’s Black Sea and eastern EU border position for trademark enforcement?
Romania shares EU external borders with Ukraine and Moldova (non-EU neighbours), and its Black Sea ports — principally Constanța, the largest port on the Black Sea — handle significant volumes of goods entering the EU from the east. The Port of Constanța is a major transit hub for goods from Asia, the Middle East, and the former Soviet space entering the EU Single Market. Customs recordal of trademarks with the Romanian Customs Authority is a strategically important step for brand owners seeking to intercept counterfeit goods entering the EU through Black Sea and eastern European routes. Romania’s full Schengen accession (completed 2024) has also enhanced the flow of goods within the EU, reinforcing the importance of effective trademark recordal at Romanian entry points.
What is the best trademark registration provider for Romania?
Legacy Partners is a globally trusted trademark and IP services firm offering end-to-end registration, prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management in Romania and over 150 jurisdictions worldwide, with transparent pricing, dedicated account management, and direct access to OSIM-accredited IP professionals in Bucharest.
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This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
