TRADE MARK SERVICES
An EU trade mark covers the European Union as a unitary right. It does not cover every European country: the United Kingdom and Switzerland require separate consideration. Earlier national rights may affect an EU application.
How we approach your matter
We assess registrability and earlier rights, prepare the goods and services and file with EUIPO. An objection or opposition requires a separate response strategy. The suitability of national alternatives should be considered before committing to a wide filing.
Practical examples
Launching a brand across the EU
Map the products and EU markets in the launch plan, then review the proposed mark and earlier rights. Use that assessment to decide whether an EU application or narrower national filings are appropriate.
Responding to an earlier national right
Examine the earlier national registration, its goods and services and the procedural notice. Assess similarity, available evidence and settlement options before preparing the response within the stated deadline.
Adding protection in the UK and Switzerland
Separate the EU launch from the UK and Swiss protection plans. Check existing rights in each territory and coordinate any additional filings with the same proprietor and intended branding.
What to send us
- The proposed mark or register numbers and proprietor details.
- A description of the goods, services and target markets.
- Relevant correspondence, evidence and deadlines.
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Practical legal assessment
International planning starts with a specific list of territories and products. Headquarters, manufacturing, distribution and licensing can create different protection needs. Regional systems, Madrid registrations and national filings do not have identical territorial effects.
For Madrid, review eligibility, the basic mark and intended designations together. Central administration does not remove every local requirement or objection. National filings may be appropriate where a territory is not covered, a different sign is needed or the basic mark does not fit the project.
Separate professional fees, official fees, extra classes, translations and local representation in the budget. Include later notices and renewals in planning. Check current official information before filing; an old country plan does not guarantee unchanged conditions.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios to explain the assessment; these are not reports of client matters.
EU and Switzerland
A business sells in the EU and Switzerland. Plan protection for each territory separately and compare suitable filing routes.
New language version
A different brand name is used abroad. Clear that local version and compare it with the portfolio before assuming an existing designation is sufficient.
Different owners
The basic mark and overseas business sit in different companies. Review and, where needed, reorganise ownership before filing.
Phased expansion
Sales expand into two countries first and more later. Prioritise actual markets and document later extensions without assuming automatic worldwide protection.
Why is a territory list essential?
Terms such as Europe, Asia or worldwide describe commercial ambitions, not a single legal right. Identify required countries and any special territories individually before comparing regional, international and national routes.
Preparing the next step
Provide the exact sign, relevant products, target territories and any register numbers. If there is an office notice or dispute, include the complete correspondence and the date of receipt. We identify missing information, agree the scope and clarify fees before taking further steps.
A useful instruction file distinguishes the confirmed facts, missing information and decisions still to be made. Keep dated versions of specifications, sign designs and correspondence so changes can be traced. Agree who approves each step and who monitors the next deadline. Where several companies or advisers are involved, document their respective roles. The resulting plan should connect the legal assessment with the operational changes needed in packaging, contracts, sales channels or register administration.
Discuss your trade mark matter
Tell us about your mark, target markets and any deadline. All fields are optional; please provide an email address or telephone number if you would like a reply. Sending an enquiry does not itself place an order or establish a client relationship.