Trademarks
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Registering a trademark
- Searching in the register
- Applying for a search
- Applying for an annual subscription
- Lodging an opposition (objection)
- Applying for changes and renewals
- Registering outside the Benelux
- What is a trademark?
- Is my trademark still available?
- How do I register my trademark?
- How do I maintain the right to my trademark?
- I have a conflict, do I have to lodge an opposition?
- How do I register my trademark outside the Benelux territory?
- Do things yourself or get things done by others?
- What are the fees for trademark registration?
A strong trademark, right from the start
“When I started my own business I had some reservations about registering my brand name. I wondered whether it was really necessary to register my new trademark so soon. After all, we small businesses owners have to be careful about how we spend our capital. However, registration is a relatively small investment which is worth the money. After all, you should assume that your business is going to succeed and that your brand is going to represent a lot of money and goodwill. That is what being an entrepreneur is all about."
Registering a trademark in the Benelux
You can apply to register a trademark by filing the brand name and/or logo online. You can also register a trade name or company name as a trademark. The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) is the official body for trademark registration in the Benelux. A standard 10-year trademark application costs 240 euros. The procedure for definitive trademark registration takes about 4 months.
f your trademark cannot be registered after all, the filing fees will not be refunded.
The registration is valid for a period of 10 years. Your trademark will be protected for the duration of this period. You can then renew your registration at the end of the 10-year period.
To maintain the right to your trademark you need to use it actively.
Apply for your trademark online
Registering a trademark on paper
You can also register your trade name, product name or logo as a trademark by filling out the paper form. You can then print out this form, along with the explanatory notes. Send the completed form to us by post or fax, or hand it in to us in person.Need help applying for your trademark?
If you have any questions about filling out this form or have doubts about the distinctiveness of your trademark, you can contact our Information Centre. Our staff can provide you with further details on the relevant procedures. If you would like advice, please contact a trademark agent or specialised lawyer via www.bmm.nl, www.bmm.be or www.bmm.lu.