Trade marks

What a trade mark protects

Registering a trade mark gives you exclusive rights over distinctive signs – such as names, logos, colours, images, patterns, shapes, packagings of goods, or sounds – which identify your products and distinguish your goods or services from others.

How long can you protect your trade mark for?

In most countries, trade mark protection lasts 10 years, starting from the date of your trade mark application. You can then renew your trade mark protection for 10 years each time, for as long as you like. When you own a trade mark, you can sell it to someone else or give them permission to use it through a trade mark licensing agreement.

How you register a trade mark

Get access to national information below.

See also

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

European IPR Helpdesk

Free advice and training on intellectual property management for EU co-funded projects or transnational business deals.

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

Learn about intellectual property rights in the EU, get free personalised support and apply online for trade mark or design registration.

Do you have questions on operating a business cross-border, for example exporting or expanding to another EU country? If so, the Enterprise Europe Network can give you free advice.

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 15/11/2023
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