The European Union trademark (EUTM) is an intellectual property right that allows its owner to protect a distinctive sign, such as a name, logo, slogan, symbol, moving image, or combination of these elements, in all 27 member states of the European Union. This system aims to simplify and harmonise the trademark registration process within the European Union by offering unique protection covering all member countries through a single application.
The European Union trademark is issued by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) based in Alicante, Spain. Once a trademark is registered, it enjoys uniform protection across all EU member states, eliminating the need to file separate applications in each country. This streamlines the application process, reducing costs and administrative formalities for businesses and creators.
For a trademark to be registered as a European Union trademark, it must meet several conditions, such as distinctiveness, absence of confusion with earlier trademarks, and compliance with public policy and public morality. A trademark can be protected for a variety of product or service sectors.
The European Union trademark is protected for a period of 10 years from the date of filing, renewable indefinitely if the owner complies with the conditions for maintaining the trademark in force, such as paying the annual fees within the specified time limit and actually using the trademark. In the event of trademark infringement or counterfeiting, the owner may take administrative or legal action against infringers throughout the European Union.
This uniform, cross-border protection enables companies to increase the visibility of their trademarks across Europe and strengthen their commercial strategy by guaranteeing their exclusive rights to their distinctive signs.