When business owners or entrepreneurs want to register a trademark, the conversation usually turns to costs right away. A European Union trademark (EUTM) protects a brand in all 27 EU member states with just one application. This is different from national filings. Knowing how the fees work helps applicants plan their budgets and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Breakdown of Official Filing Fees
The EUIPO publishes a straightforward fee schedule for EUTM applications. Applicants must pay a basic fee within one month of filing. The online fee is €850 and covers protection for one class of goods or services. Filing by post or courier is more expensive — €1 000 for the first class — but most filings are now electronic.
The basic fee is non‑refundable once paid, so applicants should be confident that the mark is registrable and the goods/services classifications are correct before paying. This upfront fee entitles the applicant to a complete examination and publication of the application.
Cost per Class of Goods or Services
EU trademark pricing rises when an applicant needs protection across multiple product or service categories. The EUIPO charges €50 for a second class and €150 per class from the third class onward.
For example, a business that wants to protect its name for both clothing (Class 25) and cosmetics (Class 3) would pay €850 + €50, whereas adding protection for jewelry (Class 14) would add a further €150.
These EU trademark application fees apply whether the application is filed online or on paper, so careful classification can prevent unnecessary trademark costs EU.
Optional Fees: Accelerated Processing, Search
Beyond the mandatory filing fee, applicants sometimes incur optional costs. Accelerated processing – often called Fast Track – offers quicker publication and examination, but the EUIPO does not charge extra for this service.
Fast Track has the same fee as a standard application; the only difference is that the applicant must pay at the time of filing and select goods/services from a harmonized database. If the application meets the Fast Track conditions (domicile in the EEA, no national search, and goods/services chosen from the EUIPO’s database), publication can occur in roughly half the time.
Applicants may also request optional search reports to see whether earlier national marks conflict with the proposed EUTM. These reports are not included in the application fee.
Many applicants choose to conduct their own preliminary searches using EUIPO’s free database (eSearch Plus) and then rely on professional searches only if their mark is complex or high‑risk.
Attorney or Agent Fees
Government fees are only part of the equation. Many businesses hire trademark attorneys or agents to handle the application, classification, and any subsequent legal proceedings. Attorneys typically charge between €250 and €550 to file an EUTM covering one class and €30 to €70 for each additional class. These figures represent the cost of preparing and submitting the application and do not cover additional work such as responding to EUIPO objections. When the EUIPO issues an office action requiring clarification or amendment, attorneys may bill hourly rates between €100 and €450, and resolving the issue often costs up to €1 500 in total. Clearance searches commissioned through specialist databases are another expense; a comprehensive EU clearance search conducted by an attorney can range from €400 to €2 500, depending on the depth of analysis.
Opposition proceedings constitute a further potential cost to register EU trademark. If a third party opposes the application, legal representation may become necessary, and attorneys charge hourly rates in the same €100-€450 range. Resolving an opposition can cost anywhere from €1 500 to €7 000, though the losing party may be required to reimburse part of the prevailing party’s costs (capped at €300). Prospective applicants should therefore weigh attorney costs against the risks of self‑filing—while self‑filing saves money initially, professional help often avoids costly mistakes and delays.
Renewal and Maintenance Fees
Once registered, an EU trademark remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10‑year periods. The renewal fee mirrors the application fee: €850 when renewed online, €50 for the second class, and €150 for each additional class. Renewal by paper or fax is more expensive — €1 000 for the first class. EUIPO guidelines note that renewals must be paid within the 6‑month period before the registration expires; late renewal within six months after expiry attracts an additional fee equal to 25% of the belated renewal fee, up to €1 500. As with the initial filing, careful planning around the renewal date avoids unnecessary penalties.
Budget Tips for Startups and SMEs
Conduct a thorough pre‑filing search
Nordengate advises applicants to search for similar marks before filing; unsuccessful applications are non‑refundable and may lead to costly oppositions. Many conflicts can be spotted using EUIPO’s free databases.
Use precise classifications
Each additional class of goods or services adds €50 or €150 to the filing and renewal fees. Carefully limiting the application to the core goods or services reduces the number of classes and future renewal costs.
File and renew on time
Late renewals incur a 25 % surcharge. Setting calendar reminders for the renewal window (six months before expiry) prevents this unnecessary expense.
Consider professional help strategically
Although attorney fees add to upfront costs, experienced attorneys help avoid classification errors, respond to office actions efficiently, and negotiate oppositions, often saving time and money in the long run. Engaging attorneys for high‑risk or valuable marks while self‑filing lower‑risk marks can strike an economical balance.
Use Fast Track judiciously
Fast Track speeds publication without extra fees, but it requires selecting goods/services from the harmonized database and paying immediately. For time‑sensitive launches, this option delivers quicker legal certainty at no additional cost.
Conclusion
Getting a trademark across the EU is both a smart business move and a financial commitment. The official filing fee for the EUIPO starts at €850 for one class and goes up for each extra class. Optional searches, faster processing, help from a lawyer, and renewal obligations can all add a lot to the total cost, but they also protect you from being denied and having to go to court. Startups and small and medium-sized businesses can save money by doing thorough searches, only filing in the classes they need to, renewing on time, and applying for EUIPIO’s SME Fund vouchers. Knowing how official fees, professional services, and long-term maintenance work together makes sure that brand protection in the European Union is both effective and cost-effective.
