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Once the procedure is complete, you receive the national registration certificate. Specific deadlines and obligations then apply per country, such as use requirements, lapse periods and renewals. We inform you about these and can monitor these deadlines for you.

If you want to know whether a national trademark registration is the best choice for your situation, or you’re unsure whether to choose a national, European or international route, we’re happy to advise you. We guide you through the entire process together with our local agents.

Contact us for a substantive assessment of your trademark.

Before filing, we assess whether the trademark meets the formal requirements. The trademark must be distinctive, may not be descriptive or in conflict with public policy or accepted principles of morality. Where necessary, we advise on adjustments to increase the chances of registration.

The average processing time for an EU trademark application is four to five months. The procedure cannot be accelerated. This is mainly due to the mandatory three-month opposition period.

A prior search is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. The EUIPO does not check whether your trademark infringes older trademarks in the EU member states. Because EU trademarks are relatively often the subject of opposition, a good prior search helps prevent conflicts and delays.

Beforehand, among other things, we establish the goods and services for which the trademark should be protected, in line with the Nice Classification. We also determine who will be registered as the trademark owner and which type of trademark is most suitable, such as a word mark or a figurative mark.

Once you have agreed to the application details, the trademark is filed with the EUIPO. The application is only processed once the official fees have been paid. You will receive a filing date and case number immediately after filing.

The EUIPO examines the application on formal requirements and on absolute grounds. This includes the classification, the details of the trademark owner, and whether the sign is suitable as a trademark. The EUIPO does not check whether older, conflicting trademarks exist.

If the EUIPO has questions or requires adjustments, a response period of two months usually applies. Questions about classification or the applicant’s details are included in our support. Fixed fees apply for substantive responses to a refusal.

Once accepted, the trademark is published. From that point, an opposition period of three months applies. During this period, third parties can object based on older trademark rights or, in some cases, an older trade name.

If no opposition is filed, or if an opposition is successfully resolved, the trademark is registered definitively. Shortly after the opposition period ends, you will receive the digital registration certificate.

An EU trademark must be put to genuine use within five years after registration. That use must relate to the trademark, the goods or services, and the geographical area form the registration. If the trademark is used differently from how it was registered, a new application may be needed.

An EU trademark is valid for ten years and can be renewed each time for a further ten years. Substantive changes to the trademark are not possible. Changes to the name or address of the trademark owner can be registered.

The trademark owner is responsible for taking action against infringements. Enforcement involves identifying potential conflicts and taking appropriate legal steps. We support this with trademark watching and enforcement advice.

If you want to know whether an EU trademark registration is suitable for your situation, or you’re unsure whether to choose a Benelux trademark or an EU trademark, we’re happy to advise you. We guide you through the entire process, from strategy to registration with the EUIPO.

Contact us for a substantive assessment of your trademark.

An international trademark registration is a centralised application that allows you to obtain trademark protection in multiple countries at once. The application is handled through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva and is based on what is known as the Madrid System.

The Madrid System makes international trademark protection more accessible and generally cheaper than separate national registrations. Around 130 countries are party to this system. However, a worldwide trademark registration does not exist; you always choose, per country, where you want protection.

An international trademark registration is particularly interesting if you are active outside the Benelux or have concrete plans for international expansion. The system offers flexibility: you can add countries later, and the procedure is largely standardised.

An international trademark registration always requires a basic trademark in the country of establishment. For European parties, this is usually a Benelux trademark or an EU trademark. For the first five years, the international registration is fully dependent on this basic trademark.

If the basic trademark becomes wholly or partly invalid during that period, the international registration lapses as well. That is why a carefully chosen and thoroughly researched basic trademark is essential.

The choice of basic trademark also affects the level of the WIPO fees and the risk profile of the international registration.

The process broadly consists of the following steps.

First, the basic country is checked to see whether the trademark is legally strong enough. This check is important given the dependency of the international registration on the basic trademark.

Depending on your plans and budget, research can then be carried out in the countries where you are considering protection. Worldwide research in all countries is often unnecessary and usually not advisable either.

The basic trademark is then filed, and it is determined in which countries the international registration will be requested. This is often done within the six-month international priority period.

Once the chosen countries and classes are agreed, the international application is filed through the trademark office of the basic country. That office checks the application and forwards it to WIPO.

WIPO carries out a formal review and registers the trademark. It then forwards the application to the national trademark offices of the designated countries. Those offices assess the trademark based on their own national rules.

After filing the basic trademark, a worldwide priority period of six months applies. If you file the international application within that period, the trademark will be protected in the designated countries with retroactive effect back to the filing date of the basic trademark.

In practice, we use this period to carefully determine together which countries are genuinely relevant and how the application can be structured within your budget.

In principle, examination by the national trademark offices must take place within twelve months. In some countries, an extended period of eighteen months applies. As a result, it can take one to two years before it is clear in all countries whether the trademark has been fully accepted.

If a national trademark office has questions or objections, these are passed on to us via WIPO. We inform you about the content, the options for responding, and any costs involved. Deadlines are monitored by us.

Responding to formal questions from the BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO is included in our support. Costs for local agents only arise when substantive handling in a specific country is required, and always after consultation.

The costs consist of the official WIPO fees, fixed costs per designated country, and any costs for local representation in the event of substantive objections. The final costs depend on the number of countries, the number of classes, and the strategy chosen. You will always receive a clear cost estimate in advance.

If you want to know whether an international trademark registration is suitable for your situation and which countries are relevant, we’re happy to advise you. We guide you through the entire process, from strategy to registration, with an eye for risks, costs and practical feasibility.

Contact us for an initial substantive consultation.

With trademark watching, the official trademark registers are continuously monitored for new trademark applications that are identical to, or conflict with, your trademark. When a potentially conflicting trademark is filed, you are notified immediately. This allows you to assess in good time whether action is needed, and prevents opposition deadlines from passing unnoticed.

Trademark authorities, such as those in the Benelux and the European Union, usually do not automatically refuse conflicting trademark applications. This means that, as a trademark owner, you are responsible yourself for identifying and challenging potential infringements.

Trademark watching allows you to intervene early, limit damage and prevent escalation. The sooner an objection is raised, the greater the chance that a conflict can be resolved without lengthy and costly proceedings.

Acting early reduces the risk of lengthy and costly conflicts. When a trademark is not yet used, or barely used, the other party’s willingness to adjust is often greater. This is not only in your interest, but also in that of the other party.

In addition, trademark watching provides insight into the scope of protection and the strength of your trademark. By seeing which trademarks are being filed, you get a better picture of your position in the market.

Trademark watching is particularly relevant for trademark owners who want to protect the value of their trademark, are active in a competitive market, and want to prevent third parties from free riding on their investments in branding and marketing.

We continuously monitor the relevant trademark registers. As soon as a potentially conflicting application appears, you receive a notification with a brief explanation. Where relevant, we mention the opposition deadline and provide initial, concise advice.

You then decide whether action is needed. If you decide to carry out further research or take action, we inform you in advance about the strategy and the expected costs.

Yes. By default, word mark watching is set up. This only checks word elements.

Separate logo watching is needed to monitor logos or other graphic elements. If both a word mark and a logo need to be watched, separate watches are set up for each, even if the trademark is registered as a combined mark.

Trademark watching can be set up for various regions:

Benelux watching, which covers the Benelux registers, the EU register and the international WIPO register.

EU watching, which covers the EU register, the WIPO register and national trademarks in the EU member states.

Worldwide watching, for all available trademark registers worldwide.

We offer the first year of trademark watching free of charge in the chosen region. This trial year is not automatically converted into a paid subscription. Well before the end of the first year, we will contact you to discuss whether you want to continue the watching service.

The indicative annual costs after the trial year are:

Benelux watching: €110 per year for up to three classes, with €45 per additional class.

EU watching: €250 per year for up to three classes, with €60 per additional class.

Worldwide watching: €370 per year for up to three classes, with €100 per additional class.

If you want to take action following a notification, we provide a clear estimate of the options and the costs. For further advice, strategy determination and actual actions, our hourly rate applies, as explained under conflicts and oppositions.

If you want to know whether trademark watching makes sense for your situation and which region best fits your trademark strategy, we’re happy to advise you. We arrange a clear setup and provide clear feedback.

Contact us for a substantive consultation about trademark watching.

A trademark search is a legal check that examines whether your trademark name or logo is already being registered by others. A trademark search helps you avoid conflicts in trademark registration and in the use of your trademark.

The only reliable way to check whether a trademark name already exists is through a professional trademark search in official trademark registers. A simple Google search is not sufficient.

Without a trademark search, you run the risk that your trademark application will be refused, or that you will have to stop using your trademark after registration after all. Trademark authorities do not check this for you.

No, a trademark search is not mandatory. However, as a business owner, you are fully responsible yourself for respecting existing trademark rights. In practice, a trademark search is strongly recommended.

If your trademark is too similar to an existing trademark, you may face:

– Opposition against your trademark application

– Withdrawal or invalidation of your trademark registration

– Damage claims

– A mandatory name change

– Destruction of products or marketing materials

No. The Benelux office and the EU trademark office only check whether your application is formally correct. They do not investigate whether similar or older trademarks already exist.

No. A trademark registration does not guarantee that no objection will ever be raised. Only a trademark search gives you insight into the strength and risks of your trademark.

– Identical trademark search: checks for exactly the same trademark registrations

– Screening trademark search: assessment of closely similar trademarks and obvious risks

– Extended trademark search: full register research with legal and strategic advice

That depends on how you use the trademark, the size of your investment, and the countries in which you are active. If in doubt, a screening or extended trademark search is recommended.

A trademark search can be carried out for the Benelux, the European Union, and other countries worldwide, depending on your (future) market.

The costs differ per region and type of search:

An initial identical trademark check is free of charge.

– Benelux trademark search: screening from €180, extensive search from €395

– EU trademark search: screening from €200, extensive search from €1,225.

– Identical trademark search: within 1 working day

– Screening trademark search: maximum 2 working days

– Extended trademark search: approximately 5 working days (rush service possible)

You can search public trademark registers yourself, but without legal interpretation this is unreliable. Many conflicts arise precisely from partial or indirect similarity.

Ideally, you carry out a trademark search first. Owning a domain name does not automatically mean you are allowed to use the trademark.

Yes. Online use of a trademark name can also constitute trademark infringement.

– The trademark name and/or logo

– A brief description of products or services

– The countries or regions in which you are active

Yes. A trademark that is cleared in advance is legally stronger and more attractive to investors, licensees and buyers.

A conflict arises when someone infringes your trademark, design, trade name or other intellectual property rights. It can also happen that you are approached because someone else claims you are infringing their rights. An opposition or objection refers to a formal procedure against a third party’s trademark application.

An infringement can lead to customer confusion, reputational damage and financial loss. By acting in good time, you prevent a conflict from escalating and can limit damage. Acting quickly also increases the chances of a practical solution.

Yes. A trademark registration does not mean that conflicting trademarks are automatically refused. Trademark authorities usually do not actively check for this. As a trademark owner, you must take action yourself when your rights are being affected.

By raising an objection or filing an opposition at an early stage, the commercial interests involved often remain limited. This increases the willingness to reach an agreement. Acting too late can lead to loss of rights through delay, making it more difficult, or even impossible, to take action at all.

An opposition is a formal objection against a trademark application, filed with the trademark authority. It is a relatively accessible and straightforward legal remedy that focuses on the trademarks involved and the goods and services for which protection is sought.

Taking action against infringements is particularly relevant for trademark owners who want to preserve the value of their trademark, protect their reputation, and prevent third parties from free riding on their investments in branding and marketing.

Our approach is aimed at a quick and efficient solution, with the client’s interests as the starting point. Based on the situation, we determine whether an informal approach is likely to succeed or whether a more formal step is needed. A settlement is often preferred over a lengthy legal process.

If the conflict cannot be resolved amicably, we take decisive action and determine the most suitable next steps together with you.

The process starts with a no-obligation consultation, in which we provide an initial assessment of the chances, risks and possible next steps. If necessary, a more detailed analysis of both parties’ legal position can be provided.

Based on that, we determine the strategy together and contact the other party. If this leads to an agreement, the matter can be concluded. If not, we prepare an opposition, a cancellation action or a defence.

Yes. We can take all communication with the other party and the trademark authorities off your hands. We work pragmatically in doing so, with an eye on cost control.

An opposition is directed against a pending trademark application. A cancellation action relates to an already registered trademark. In both cases, we prepare the necessary documents and submit arguments in defence of your position.

These procedures are generally carried out on the basis of fixed fees. Additional work may only be required if further evidence is needed, for example concerning older trademarks or a claim to reputation.

An initial assessment of the chances of success and the possible next steps is free of charge.

Fixed fees apply for further steps, depending on the type of procedure and the jurisdiction. Below is an overview of the most common costs:

Benelux (BOIP)

– Drafting or responding to an objection: from €150

– Opposition: official fees + our fee of €410 (indicative total €1,455)

– Cancellation action: official fees + our fee of €410 (from €1,830)

– Drafting initial substantive arguments: €420

European Union (EUIPO)

– Drafting or responding to an objection: from €150

– Opposition: official fees + our fee of €410 (total €730)

– Cancellation action: official fees + our fee of €410 (total €700)

– Drafting initial substantive arguments: €420

Other countries

– Costs: on request (depending on country and procedure)

All amounts exclude official fees and any additional work. Extra costs may arise when evidence needs to be submitted, for example concerning older trademarks or a claim to reputation. You will always receive a clear cost estimate in advance.

Yes. We also provide support with related procedures, such as domain name disputes and notice-and-takedown processes.

If you are facing an alleged infringement, or you want to object to a third party’s trademark application or use, we’re happy to assist you. We help you with a realistic assessment and a suitable strategy.

Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation.

A design registration protects the appearance and design of a product, such as its shape, lines, colours, packaging, branding or decoration. The protection only covers the appearance of the product, not its technical functions. An absolute requirement for design protection is novelty: the design must be new.

A design is considered new when no identical design was available to the public before its first disclosure. The assessment is based on the overall impression the design makes on the informed user.

A design registration must be filed within twelve months after its first disclosure. If this deadline is exceeded, the design can no longer be validly registered.

A design registration gives you an exclusive right to use your design. This allows you to take action against third parties who bring products to market with the same overall impression. Registration also provides legal proof of your rights and establishes the date of protection.

In addition, a registered design can be commercially exploited, for example through licensing, sale or financing. A design registration also makes enforcement on online platforms easier in cases of counterfeiting or copying.

A registered design is protected for a maximum of 25 years, provided the registration is renewed in good time. Protection is granted in periods of five years.

An unregistered design offers only limited protection of three years and has a higher burden of proof. A registered design, on the other hand, offers long-term protection (with a maximum of 25 years) and makes enforcement considerably easier.

Design registration is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs, start-ups, designers, product developers and trademark owners who are bringing a new product or a new visual identity to the market and want to protect their design for a longer period.

The process starts with an initial assessment of the design and the registration options. We establish which elements are eligible for protection and how the design can be legally secured as strongly as possible.

The design is then filed in the desired region, such as the Benelux, the European Union or specific countries. After filing, the progress of the procedure is monitored, and you are notified as soon as the registration is completed.

For a design registration, we need, among other things: the applicant’s name, images of the design, and a brief description of the unique design features. It is also determined in which region protection is desired.

Once approved and paid for, the application can usually be filed the same day. Registration generally follows within a few days, provided the submitted images meet the formal requirements.

The costs of a design registration depend on the region chosen and the level of support required. Various service levels are available, ranging from basic registration to extensive support in optimising the images and the application. You will always receive a clear cost overview in advance.

If you want to know whether your design qualifies for design protection and which region is most suitable, we’re happy to advise you. We guide you through the entire process, from assessment to registration.

Contact us for a substantive assessment of your design.

A national trademark registration is a trademark application filed in a single specific country, through that country’s local trademark office. Protection applies exclusively within the borders of that country.

In many cases, for protection outside the Benelux, an EU trademark or an international trademark registration is more logical. However, there are situations where a national trademark registration is a better fit. This may be the case, for example, when an international trademark is not possible, when the procedure takes too long, or when the costs of an international registration are disproportionate to the importance of that country.

National trademark registrations are regularly used for countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Rules, procedures and costs differ significantly per country.

The process starts with an initial feasibility assessment. This looks at whether the trademark meets the formal requirements of the country concerned and whether identical trademarks exist.

We then map out, per country, the expected costs, requirements and points of attention. Based on this, you receive an overview of what is needed in order to file the application.

If you decide to proceed, we engage a local agent. This agent specialises in the national trademark law concerned and ensures the application aligns as closely as possible with local requirements.

The local agent files the trademark application and monitors the progress of the procedure. We are kept continuously informed and keep you updated on progress.

Yes. We work with a worldwide network of local agents. This allows us to support national trademark registrations in virtually all countries, ensuring alignment with local practice and regulations.

The costs of a national trademark registration differ per country. Indicative starting costs for common countries range from a few hundred to several thousand euros. In addition to the starting costs, further costs may arise during the procedure, for example in response to questions or objections from the local trademark office. You will always receive a clear cost estimate in advance.

A Benelux trademark registration protects your trademark in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The Netherlands does not have a national trademark register. A Benelux registration is therefore the smallest possible scope of trademark protection available for the Netherlands.

For protection in the Netherlands, a Benelux trademark registration is required. A separate Dutch trademark registration does not exist. A single registration provides protection in three countries.

If you only use your trademark in one or more Benelux countries, a Benelux trademark registration is usually sufficient. It is also often a logical first step if you are planning international expansion.

The average processing time for a Benelux trademark application is around three months. An accelerated procedure is possible, allowing registration within a few days.

A prior search is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. The BOIP does not check whether your trademark infringes older rights. Without a prior search, you run the risk of opposition or conflicts after the application has been filed.

If older trademarks exist that are too similar to your trademark, registration can be risky. In that case, we look together at possible adjustments to the trademark, restrictions on the goods or services, or alternative strategies.

We handle the entire process: from assessment and prior searches, to drafting the description of goods and services, filing the application with the BOIP, and monitoring deadlines and correspondence.

The BOIP only examines the formal requirements of the application. This includes the classification, the details of the trademark owner, and whether the trademark itself is eligible for registration. The BOIP does not examine the existence of prior trademark rights.

After publication, an opposition period of two months applies. During this period, holders of prior trademarks can object to the application. If no opposition is filed, the final registration of the trademark can be completed

The costs depend on the number of classes, whether a prior search is chosen, and any urgency or objections. You will always receive a clear cost overview in advance.

A Benelux trademark is valid for ten years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely, each time for a further ten years.

Yes. The trademark must be put to genuine use for the registered goods and services within five years after registration. If the trademark is not used, it may (partially) be cancelled.

Use in a different form can affect the protection. In some situations, a new trademark application is necessary. If changes are made, it is wise to have this assessed in good time.

Once registered, a trademark cannot be changed. Changes to the name or address of the trademark owner can be registered.

The trademark owner is responsible for taking action against infringements. This involves identifying potential conflicts and taking appropriate steps. We provide support with this where needed.

An EU trademark registration (EUTM) provides trademark protection in all 27 member states of the European Union with a single application. The registration is handled by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). An EU trademark is based on European trademark law and automatically applies in all EU countries.

An EU trademark registration is suitable when you use, or want to use, your trademark in multiple EU member states. Even if your activities are currently limited to a few countries, an EU trademark can provide protection for future expansion within the European Union.

The main advantage of an EU trademark is broad territorial protection at a relatively low cost. The downside is that an EU trademark forms a single unit and cannot be split up. This means the trademark must be acceptable in all 27 member states. A conflict in a single country can affect the entire registration.

An EU trademark is valid in all current EU member states. Countries such as Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of this system. Protection in those countries requires a separate national or international trademark registration.