What Affects the Duration of Trademark Registration in the EU
Several factors determine IP registration duration. The EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) can examine and publish your trademark application. The complexity of an application is important because the EUIPO notes that “the more complex the application, the longer examination takes”. Numerous classes or non‑standard descriptions require greater scrutiny.
Applicants who select goods and services from the Harmonised Database, as required for Fast‑Track filings, reduce the risk of deficiencies and tend to see quicker publication. Timing of payment also influences the pace: examiners only begin reviewing an application after the fee has been received, and Fast‑Track filings must be paid up front. The type of mark matters too, since only word, figurative, shape, or sound marks qualify for the accelerated trademark registration European Union.
Applicants based outside the EEA need an EU‑based representative, and failing to appoint one triggers an objection that delays the process. If any mandatory information or fees are missing, the EUIPO issues a deficiency letter and gives the applicant two months to remedy the defect, which slows the timeline. Finally, the publication of an application opens a three‑month opposition period, and opposition proceedings can extend the registration process to 12-18 months or longer.
Standard Trademark Application Timeline
Under the standard procedure, the EUIPO performs a formality check and publishes compliant applications. According to the EUIPO’s FAQ, with the exception of the time limits expressly specified in the EU trade mark regulation or EU trade mark implementing regulation or in the EU design regulation or EU design implementing regulation, the time limits specified by the Office for a given procedure are between 1 month and 6 months, providing the party concerned has its domicile or its principal place of business or an establishment within the EEA.
When the party concerned does not have its domicile or principal place of business or an establishment within the EEA, the trademark application time EUIPO limits are between 2 months and 6 months.
The general practice is to grant 2 months + opposition period.
Accelerated Trademark Registration and Its Benefits
To speed up publication, the EUIPO offers the FastTrack procedure, which imposes specific conditions on applicants. To qualify, you must select goods and services from the EUIPO’s Harmonised Database, pay the fee at the time of filing, and limit the mark to word, figurative, shape, or sound categories while avoiding color claims for figurative or shape marks. FastTrack also requires that the applicant be domiciled in the EEA or appoint a valid representative. Meeting these requirements allows the EUIPO to process the application more efficiently, and FastTrack applications can be published in half the trademark processing time EU IP Office or less compared with regular filings.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Registration Timeline
The EUTM process passes through a series of stages, each contributing to the overall EU trademark registration timeline. Applicants begin with a voluntary pre‑filing search in eSearch plus or TMview to identify conflicting marks, reducing the risk of opposition later.
Once the previous step is ready, the applicant files the trademark application using the EUIPO’s online forms and pays the fee, either at the time of filing (for Fast Track) or shortly thereafter (for standard filings). The Office then performs a formalities check: if any required information or attachments are missing, it issues a deficiency letter giving the applicant two months to correct the problem.
After the file passes formalities, an examiner reviews the application on absolute grounds—checking for descriptiveness or lack of distinctiveness. This examination usually takes about 1 month, though Fast‑Track applications can be examined and published in around three weeks. When the examiner raises no objections, the mark is published in the EU Trade Mark Bulletin.
This publication triggers a three‑month opposition period during which third parties can challenge the mark.
If the opposition is missing, then congratulations, you have registered your trademark. The registration period typically takes 1 month
Common Causes of Delays in the Process
A variety of issues can slow or halt an EU trade‑mark application. Missing information, unpaid fees, or a failure to appoint an EU‑based representative will trigger formalities objections, giving the applicant only two months to remedy the deficiencies.
Using vague or non‑harmonised goods and services descriptions also prompts objections, whereas choosing terms from the Harmonised Database avoids that obstacle. The timing of payment is critical because examiners do not begin processing until the fee is received, so payment delays postpone publication.
Substantive issues can arise if the mark lacks distinctiveness or is descriptive; such marks may be refused and require amendment or conversion.
The most significant delays often result from opposition. A notice of opposition has to be filed within 3 months of the publication of the EU trade mark application in Part A of the EU Trade Marks Bulletin. A notice of appeal has to be filed within 2 months of the date of notification of the contested decision, and the grounds for appeal must be presented within 4 months of that date. Therefore, challenges filed by third parties can extend the registration timeline by 12–18 months or more.
How to Track the Status of Your Application
The EUIPO provides transparent online tools for monitoring your application. After filing, the applicant receives an EUTM application number that can be used to check progress through eSearch plus or the User Area. The EUTM Filing form even displays a timeline, and a Fast‑Track logo will appear if the application qualifies.
Another option is to use the Pocket IP service to track the status of your application in your account and receive updates automatically via email.
Tips to Speed Up Your Trademark Registration
Applying strategic best practices can reduce delays considerably. When eligible, it is wise to use the Fast Track option: this requires selecting goods and services from the Harmonised Database and paying the fee immediately, which allows the EUIPO to publish the application more quickly.
Costs of Trademark Registration
The fees are €850 for one class, €50 for the second class, and €150 for each additional class.
How can we help with Trademark Registration to speed up
On our website, you can track the status of your application 24/7. A new trademark application in the Pocket IP service is linked to an entry in the official database. This means you receive instant notifications of any changes in the service. All application information and documents are available in your personal account.
Conclusion: What Timeline Should You Expect
An EU trademark application moves through several distinct phases: filing, formalities check, examination, publication/opposition, and registration. Standard applications are typically published within 8-11 weeks after payment, and the EU trademark certificate time is obtained in about 5-6 months if no oppositions occur. Fast‑Track applications can be published in roughly three weeks and may be registered within four months. However, oppositions or deficiencies can extend the process to 12-18 months.
