Intellectual Property Law

The official filing fee at the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) is currently €300 (€290 online) and covers 3 classes of goods or services. Each additional class costs €100. Legal fees depend on the level of attorney involvement, such as advice on choosing the mark, selecting classes, or assessing conflicts with existing rights.

The basic fee for filing a European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) with the EUIPO is €850 for one class. The second class costs an additional €50, and each further class €150. Registration provides protection across all 27 EU member states. Legal fees apply as in Q1.

An EUIPO registration grants uniform protection in all EU member states. It simplifies business expansion, helps prevent infringements, and allows effective enforcement across the entire EU internal market. However, if you operate in only one or two countries, EUIPO registration can be more expensive and risky due to the larger number of potential oppositions.

Not necessarily. You should only register in classes that correspond to your current or planned business activities. Filing too broadly can trigger disputes, and unused classes may later be revoked for non-use.

A word mark provides broader protection, covering all graphic forms of the word. A figurative mark protects only the specific visual design filed. If protecting the name itself is the priority, a word mark is usually the stronger option.

A color registration protects exactly the version as filed. A black-and-white mark once provided broader coverage, but under current EUIPO and DPMA practice, it no longer grants automatic protection of all color variations. It is advisable to register the mark in the form you actually use in business.

Monitoring allows you to detect conflicting applications early and file oppositions within the required deadlines. It is a key tool for maintaining exclusivity and protecting your brand from dilution or imitation.

You can use the databases provided by DPMA (Germany), EUIPO (EU), or WIPO (international). However, professional clearance searches conducted by lawyers or specialized search firms are far more precise and provide a realistic assessment of registration and conflict risks.

It may be possible, but it is more difficult. Unregistered marks can sometimes be protected as commercial designations (geschäftliche Bezeichnungen), but you must prove use and recognition in the market. Registration significantly strengthens your legal position.

Do not sign anything hastily. An Abmahnung (cease-and-desist letter) is serious and may carry financial consequences. Contact a lawyer to assess whether the claims are justified and whether it is possible to negotiate or limit the obligations in a settlement.