Registry · EU trademark filing
EU trademark filing — process, deadlines, fees.
EUIPO · 5 steps
4–6 months without opposition
An EU trademark filing yields unitary protection across all 27 EU member states — through a single application before the EUIPO. This pillar summarises process, deadlines and fees, with source citations per claim.
What is an EUTM
An European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) grants unitary protection across all 27 EU member states via a single application before the EUIPO. Term ten years, indefinitely renewable.
Source: EU Trade Mark Regulation (EU) 2017/1001.
Before filing — search and classes
- Search. Check for identical and similar earlier marks in EUIPO and the national EU registers. Without prior search, the risk of opposition and invalidity actions rises.
- Classes. Choose Nice classes 1–45. The first class is included in the base fee; each additional class is charged separately.
- Mark type. Word mark, figurative mark, combined mark, sound mark, position mark and others. The choice determines protection scope and filing documents.
Filing process in five steps
- Online filing via EUIPO eFiling. Application data, mark representation, class list and representation (mandatory for applicants outside the EEA).
- Formal examination by EUIPO. 1–2 weeks — application documents complete, fees paid.
- Substantive examination. Review for absolute grounds for refusal (Art. 7 EU TMR) — lack of distinctiveness, descriptiveness, public policy violations.
- Publication. In the EU Trademark Bulletin — starts the three-month opposition period.
- Registration. After the opposition period ends without opposition, or after opposition is dismissed.
Overall duration
Without opposition typically 4–6 months. With opposition 12–24 months.
After registration
- Use requirement. No later than five years after registration the mark must be put to genuine use, otherwise revocation (Art. 58 EU TMR).
- Renewal. Every ten years. Reminder at least 6 months in advance recommended.
- Watch. Ongoing monitoring of new third-party applications to defend your own rights.
Deadlines table
| Phase | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Formal examination | approx. 1–2 weeks from receipt |
| Substantive examination | approx. 2–3 months |
| Opposition period | 3 months from publication |
| Appeal against refusal | 2 months |
| Renewal before expiry | available 6 months before expiry date |
| Renewal with surcharge | 6 months after expiry date |
Fees table (EUIPO 2024 fee schedule)
| Item | Online fee |
|---|---|
| Base fee (1st class included) | € 850 |
| Second class | € 50 |
| Each additional class | € 150 |
| Appeal | € 720 |
| Opposition | € 320 |
| Renewal (1st class included) | € 850 |
| Second class renewal | € 50 |
| Each additional class renewal | € 150 |
Attorney fees and Marqio plans are not included. Source: EUIPO Fees and Payments.