One application versus several
Registering a European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) works differently from filing for trademarks country by country, both in the time it takes and in how efficient it is. With one application submitted to a single central authority, a trademark owner can gain protection across all EU member countries, which helps keep costs down.
Advantages and limitations
- Use in one place is enough: If your business operates in only one or two member countries, an EUTM helps avoid having the mark canceled for non-use in the other member countries.
- All-or-nothing acceptance: The application has to be accepted by every member country. If any one of them objects, the whole EU application is rejected.
- Country-level filings: In some cases, the owner can instead apply for protection in individual countries.
Which office handles EUTMs?
EUTMs are registered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which was formerly called the Office of Harmonization in the Internal Market. The EUIPO is located in Spain.