 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Introduction; Use; Registration; Product Marking; Foreign Applications; Community Trade Mark (CTM) Registration; International Trade Mark Registration (Madrid Protocol); Novelty/Timing; Searches.
It is possible to protect a trade mark in a single registration covering the whole of the European Union (EU). The members of the EU are listed below:-
| Austria | Finland | Italy | Poland | United Kingdom |
| Belgium | France | Latvia | Portugal | |
| Cyprus | Germany | Lithuania | Slovenia | |
| Czech Republic | Greece | Luxembourg | Slovakia | |
| Denmark | Hungary | Malta | Sweden | |
| Estonia | Ireland | Netherlands | Spain |
Unlike a European patent application, a CTM application remains a single, indivisible, registration covering the whole of the EU. However, it can be challenged on the basis of a prior right (registered or otherwise) existing in any one of the countries of the EU. A successful challenge invalidates the entire CTM registration for all countries. A CTM application is a very cost effective route for securing registered trade mark rights throughout the EU.
For trade marks (including service marks), passing off and licensing, contact Ian Smith or Peter Cornford in our Bristol office.