Europe
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Procedural Risk in Bosnia and Herzegovina Under Articles 32, 35, 37, 71 and Madrid Rules
- Likelihood of Confusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina Under Article 7(1)(a)
- Distinctiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina Under Articles 4 and 6: Inherent and Acquired
- Absolute Grounds in Bosnia and Herzegovina Under Article 6: Prohibited Signs and Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Bosnia and Herzegovina Under Article 6(1)(e), (f) and 6(2)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Trademark Procedure Under Articles 15, 25, 26, 32, 33 and 35
Albania
- Procedural Risk in Albania: Office Actions, Opposition, Non-Use and Madrid Refusals
- Likelihood of Confusion in Albania Under Article 143(2): Relative Grounds Analysis
- Distinctiveness in Albania Under Article 142(1)(a): Inherent and Acquired Doctrine
- Absolute Grounds in Albania Under Article 142: Prohibited Signs, Symbols and Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Albania Under Article 142(1)(b)-(c) Doctrine
- Albania Trademark Filing, Examination, Opposition and Timeline Under Law No. 52/2025
Bulgaria
- Procedural Risks in Bulgaria Under ZMGO Arts. 21, 35, 47, 52 and Madrid Practice
- Likelihood of Confusion in Bulgaria Under ZMGO Art. 12: Relative Grounds for Refusal
- Distinctiveness in Bulgaria Under ZMGO Arts. 9 and 11: Inherent and Acquired Character
- Absolute Grounds in Bulgaria Under ZMGO Art. 11(1)(6)-(11): Prohibited and Deceptive Signs
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Bulgaria Under ZMGO Art. 11(1)(3)-(4) and Art. 11(2)
- Bulgaria Trademark Registration Under ZMGO Arts. 10, 46, 47, 49 and 52
United Kingdom
- Descriptive Trade Marks and the Section 3(1)(c) Objection in the United Kingdom
- Update: Login Issue
- How to reset password
- Division of UK Trade Mark Applications: Form TM12 as a Tactical Tool
- Nominet and Abusive Domain Registration: The .uk Dispute Resolution Process
- Series Marks in the UK: What They Are and Why They Are Being Phased Out
- See all 35 articles
Ukraine
- Procedural Risks in Ukraine Under Articles 15, 18, 19 and 20: Office Actions to Madrid
- Likelihood of Confusion in Ukraine Under Article 6(3): Similarity and Dominant Elements
- Distinctiveness in Ukraine Under Article 6(2): Inherent and Acquired Distinctiveness
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Ukraine Under Article 6(2): Acquired Distinctiveness
- Absolute Grounds in Ukraine Under Articles 5(1), 6(1), 6(2), 6(4) and 6(5)
- Ukraine Trademark Filing and Examination Under Articles 5, 7, 10 and 15 to 16
- See all 31 articles
Sweden
- What happens if my trademark expires in Sweden? Do I have extra time to renew it?
- What documents are required for renewing a trademark in Sweden?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Sweden?
- Do I have to regularly submit a statement of use in Sweden?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Sweden?
- Is Sweden part of the Madrid Protocol?
- See all 26 articles
Switzerland
- What documents are required for trademark renewal in Switzerland?
- If my trademark expires in Switzerland, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Switzerland?
- Do I have to regularly submit a statement of use for my trademark in Switzerland?
- Is Switzerland part of the Madrid System?
- What rights do you gain by registering a trademark in Switzerland?
- See all 24 articles
Spain
- The 5-Year Non-Use Cancellation Rule in Spain: Article 39 and the OEPM’s New Competence
- Likelihood of Confusion in Spain: How the OEPM Assesses Conflicting Trade Marks (Articles 6–10)
- Proving Acquired Distinctiveness Under Ley 17/2001: Saving a Descriptive Mark in Spain
- Descriptiveness and Stylisation in Spain: Article 5(1)(c) of Ley 17/2001
- How the OEPM Examines Trade Marks: The “No Ex Officio” Rule and the 2-Month Opposition Window
- If my trademark expires in Spain, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- See all 30 articles
Slovenia
- What happens if my trademark expires in Slovenia? Do I have extra time to renew it?
- What documents are needed for trademark renewal in Slovenia?
- When is my trademark due for renewal in Slovenia?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Slovenia?
- Do I have to regularly submit a statement of use for my trademark in Slovenia?
- Is Slovenia part of the Madrid System?
- See all 26 articles
Slovakia
- If my trademark expires in Slovakia, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- What documents are required for trademark renewal in Slovakia?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Slovakia?
- Do I need to regularly submit proof of using the trademark in Slovakia?
- Is Slovakia part of the Madrid System?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Slovakia?
- See all 25 articles
Serbia
- Procedural Risk in Serbia Under Articles 23, 34 and 82: Refusals, Opposition and Non-Use
- Likelihood of Confusion in Serbia Under Article 6: Relative Grounds and Dominant Elements
- Distinctiveness in Serbia Under Article 4 and Article 5(3): Inherent and Acquired
- Absolute Grounds in Serbia Under Article 5: Prohibited Signs, Official Symbols and Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Serbia Under Article 5(5) and 5(6)
- Serbia Trademark System Under the Law on Trademarks 2020: Articles 4, 23 and 34
- See all 32 articles
Russian Federation
- Bad Faith and Trademark Squatting in Russia: Combating Pattern Filers Through Article 1512 and Unfair Competition Law
- Morality and Religious Symbolism at Rospatent: The October 2024 Interreligious Council Procedure
- Descriptiveness and “Unprotected Elements” (Disclaimers) in Russia: Saving a Descriptive Mark Through Logo Design
- The 3-Year Non-Use Cancellation Procedure in Russia: The Mandatory Pre-Trial Steps (Article 1486)
- Letters of Consent in Russia: The Misleading-Consumer Override (Article 1483.6)
- The 2023 Shift: Trademark Registration for Individuals in Russia
- See all 30 articles
Romania
- If my trademark expires in Romania, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- What documents are required for renewing a trademark in Romania?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Romania?
- Do I need to regularly submit a statement showing how I'm using the trademark in Romania?
- Is Romania part of the Madrid System for international trademark registration?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Romania?
- See all 25 articles
Poland
- If my trademark expires in Poland, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- What documents are required for trademark renewal in Poland?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Poland?
- Do I need to regularly submit proof of using the trademark in Poland?
- Is Poland part of the Madrid System?
- What rights do you gain by registering a trademark in Poland?
- See all 26 articles
Norway
- If my trademark expires in Norway, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- What documents are required for renewing a trademark in Norway?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Norway?
- Do I need to regularly submit a statement of use in Norway?
- Is Norway part of the Madrid Protocol?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Norway?
- See all 24 articles
Montenegro
- Procedural Trademark Risks in Montenegro: Office Actions, Non-Use and Madrid Refusals
- Likelihood of Confusion in Montenegro Under Article 5(1)(8) to (11) and Article 33(1)
- Distinctiveness in Montenegro Under Article 5(1)(2): Inherent and Acquired Character
- Prohibited Signs and Deceptive Marks in Montenegro Under Article 5(1)(1), (6) and (7)
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Montenegro Under Article 5(1)(4) and 5(1)(5)
- Montenegro Trademark System Under the Trademark Law 72/2010: Filing, Examination and Opposition
- See all 32 articles
Moldova
- Procedural Risks in Moldova Trademarks: Office Actions, Opposition, Non-Use and Madrid Refusals
- Likelihood of Confusion in Moldova Under Article 8: Similarity of Marks and Goods
- Distinctiveness in Moldova Under Article 5 and Article 7: Inherent and Acquired Character
- Absolute Grounds in Moldova Under Article 7: Official Symbols, Public Policy and Deceptive Marks
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Moldova Under Article 7(1)(c), (d) and Article 7(2)
- Moldova Trademark Filing and Examination Under Law No. 38-XVI: Articles 33, 37, 39-42, 47
- See all 32 articles
Malta
- Procedural Risks in Malta Under Articles 26, 29, 48 and 50: Objections, Opposition, Non-Use
- Likelihood of Confusion in Malta Under Article 6: Relative Grounds and Dominant Elements
- Distinctiveness in Malta Under Article 5(1)(b) and Article 5(8): Inherent and Acquired
- Absolute Grounds in Malta Under Article 5: Prohibited Signs, Emblems, Morality, Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Malta Under Article 5(1)(c) and 5(1)(d)
- Malta Trademark Registration Under Trademarks Act Chapter 597: Filing, Examination, Opposition
- See all 33 articles
Lithuania
- Lithuania Trademark Risk Under Articles 14, 18, 46, 47 and Madrid Article 30
- Likelihood of Confusion in Lithuania Under Article 7(1)(1)-(8) and Dominant Element Doctrine
- Distinctiveness in Lithuania Under Articles 2, 6(1)(2), 6(2) and Article 8
- Absolute Grounds in Lithuania Under Article 6: Prohibited Signs, Official Symbols and Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Lithuania Under Article 6(1)(2)-(4) and 6(2)
- Lithuania Trademark Filing and Opposition Under Articles 10, 13, 14, 15 and 18
- See all 31 articles
Latvia
- Latvia Trade Mark Law: Office Actions, Opposition, Non-Use and Madrid Risks
- Latvia Sections 7-10: Likelihood of Confusion and Relative Grounds Analysis
- Latvia Section 4 and Section 6(4)-(5): Inherent and Acquired Distinctiveness
- Latvia Section 6(1)(6)-(9): Prohibited Signs, Official Symbols and Deceptive Marks
- Latvia Section 6(1)(3)-(4): Descriptiveness, Genericness and Acquired Distinctiveness
- Latvia Trade Mark Law 2020: Filing, Examination, Opposition and Timeline
- See all 31 articles
Kosovo
- What is the grace period for renewing a trademark after it has expired in Kosovo?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Kosovo?
- What documentation is required when renewing a trademark in Kosovo?
- Do I need to regularly submit statements of use in Kosovo?
- Is Kosovo part of the Madrid System?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Kosovo?
- See all 26 articles
Jersey
- What is the grace period for renewing a trademark after it has expired in Jersey?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Jersey?
- What documents are required for renewing a trademark in Jersey?
- Do I have to regularly submit a statement of use in Jersey?
- Is Jersey, which is part of the United Kingdom, part of the Madrid System for international trademark registration?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Jersey?
- See all 25 articles
Italy
- The 5-Year Non-Use Revocation Rule: Challenging Dormant Trade Marks in Italy (Article 24 CPI)
- Proving Acquired Distinctiveness (Secondary Meaning) Under the Italian Industrial Property Code
- Likelihood of Confusion in Italy: How CJEU Precedent Shapes the Assessment (Article 12 CPI)
- Descriptiveness and Stylisation in Italy: Why Minor Graphical Tweaks Won’t Save Your Mark (Article 13 CPI)
- How the UIBM Examines Trade Marks: Italy’s “No Ex Officio” Rule for Relative Grounds
- If my trademark expires in Italy, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- See all 30 articles
Ireland
- Likelihood of Confusion in Ireland Under Section 10 of the Trade Marks Act, 1996
- Procedural Risk in Ireland Under Sections 42, 43, 51 and 58: Refusals and Non-Use
- Distinctiveness in Ireland Under Sections 6, 8 and 17: Inherent and Acquired Character
- Absolute Grounds in Ireland Under Sections 8, 9 and 62: Prohibited and Deceptive Signs
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Ireland Under Section 8(1)(b), (c) and (d)
- Ireland Trade Mark Filing and Examination Under Sections 38, 42 and 43 of the 1996 Act
- See all 31 articles
Iceland
- If my trademark expires in Iceland, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- What documents are needed to renew a trademark in Iceland?
- How can I determine the renewal date for my trademark in Iceland?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Iceland?
- Do I need to regularly submit a statement of trademark use in Iceland?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Iceland?
- See all 25 articles
Hungary
- Procedural Trademark Risks in Hungary Under Articles 18, 41, 61 and Madrid Practice
- Likelihood of Confusion in Hungary Under Articles 4 to 6: HIPO Relative Grounds Analysis
- Distinctiveness in Hungary Under Article 1(1), Article 2(2) and Article 2(3)
- Absolute Refusals in Hungary Under Article 3: Official Symbols, Public Policy and Deceptive Marks
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Hungary Under Article 2(2)(a) and Article 2(3)
- Hungary Trademark Filing and Examination Under Act XI of 1997: Articles 41, 50, 55 and 61
- See all 31 articles
Greece
- Likelihood of Confusion in Greece Under Law 4679/2020: Article 5 Relative Grounds
- Procedural Risk in Greece Under Law 4679/2020: Office Actions, Opposition, Non-Use, Madrid
- Distinctiveness in Greece Under Law 4679/2020: Article 2, Article 4(1)(β), Article 4(2)
- Absolute Grounds in Greece Under Law 4679/2020: Prohibited Signs, Emblems, Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Greece Under Law 4679/2020: Article 4(1)(β)-(δ)
- Greece Trademark Filing and Examination Under Law 4679/2020: Articles 20-25 and 30
- See all 31 articles
Germany
- Forbidden Signs: State Emblems and Official Seals
- Proving Your Brand: Acquired Distinctiveness in Germany
- Challenging Older Trademarks: The Non-Use Defense
- Navigating Trademark Oppositions in Germany
- Using Logos to Register Descriptive Marks in Germany
- Why Descriptive Terms Are Refused by the DPMA
- See all 33 articles
France
- Bad Faith Trade Mark Filings in France: Article L.711-2, 11° of the CPI
- The 5-Year Non-Use Revocation Rule in France: Article L.714-5 and the Déchéance Procedure
- Proving Acquired Distinctiveness Under the CPI: Saving a Descriptive Mark in France
- Likelihood of Confusion in France: How the INPI Assesses Conflicting Trade Marks (Article L.711-3)
- Descriptiveness and Stylisation in France: Article L.711-2, 3° of the CPI
- How the INPI Examines Trade Marks: The “No Ex Officio” Rule and the 2-Month Opposition Window
- See all 32 articles
Finland
- Procedural Risks in Finland Under Sections 21, 31-33, 46-49 and Madrid Refusal Rules
- Likelihood of Confusion in Finland Under Section 13: Similarity, Goods, Dominant Elements
- Distinctiveness in Finland Under Sections 11 and 12(2): Inherent, Acquired, Combined Marks
- Absolute Grounds in Finland Under Section 12: Prohibited Signs, Emblems, Morality, Deception
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Finland Under Sections 11(2) and 12(1)(3)
- Finland Trademark Filing and Examination Under Trademarks Act 544/2019: Sections 17, 21, 31-33
- See all 31 articles
Estonia
- If my trademark expires in Estonia, is there a period during which I can still renew it?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Estonia?
- What documents are required for trademark renewal in Estonia?
- Is it necessary to regularly submit a statement of use in Estonia?
- Is Estonia part of the Madrid Protocol for trademark registration?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Estonia?
- See all 25 articles
European Union
- Saving a Failed EUTM: Strategic Conversion to National Applications
- Shape Marks in the EU: The Technical Function Trap
- Reputation and Famous Marks in the EU: The Extended Protection of Article 8(5)
- Acquired Distinctiveness in the EU: The High Bar of Article 7(3)
- The 24-Language Rule: Why Translation Matters in Descriptiveness
- Likelihood of Confusion in the EU: The Global Appreciation Test
- See all 37 articles
Denmark
- Danish Trademark Risk Management Under Varemærkeloven § 10 c, § 15 and § 19
- Likelihood of Confusion in Denmark Under Varemærkeloven § 15 and Dominant Element Analysis
- Distinctiveness in Denmark Under Varemærkeloven § 13(1)(2) and § 13(2)
- Prohibited Signs and Deceptive Marks in Denmark Under Varemærkeloven §§ 13 and 14
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Denmark Under Varemærkeloven § 13(1)-(4)
- Denmark Trademark Filing and Opposition Under Varemærkeloven §§ 3, 13, 15 and 19
- See all 31 articles
Cyprus
- Cyprus Trade Marks Procedure: Office Actions, Opposition, Non-Use and Madrid Refusals
- Cyprus Cap. 268 Section 14: Likelihood of Confusion and Relative Grounds
- Cyprus Cap. 268 Section 11(2): Inherent and Acquired Distinctiveness Doctrine
- Cyprus Cap. 268 Section 13: Prohibited Signs, Official Symbols and Deceptive Marks
- Cyprus Cap. 268 Section 11: Descriptiveness, Genericness and Acquired Distinctiveness
- Cyprus Trade Marks Law, Cap. 268: Overview of Filing, Examination and Opposition
- See all 32 articles
Czech Republic
- Procedural Risks in Czech Trademark Practice Under §§21, 25, 31 and Madrid Provisional Refusals
- Likelihood of Confusion in the Czech Republic Under §7: Similarity, Goods, and Dominant Elements
- Distinctiveness in the Czech Republic Under §4(b), §5, and the Dominant Element Doctrine
- Absolute Grounds in the Czech Republic Under §4(f)-§4(l): Prohibited Signs and Deceptive Marks
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in the Czech Republic Under §§4(b)-4(d) and §5
- Czech Republic Trademark Filing and Opposition Under Act No. 441/2003 Coll.: §§19-22 and §25
- See all 32 articles
Croatia
- Procedural Risk in Croatia Under Articles 22, 27 and 46: Office Actions, Opposition and Non-Use
- Likelihood of Confusion in Croatia Under Article 6(1): Similarity of Marks and Goods
- Distinctiveness in Croatia Under Article 2 and Article 5(2): Inherent and Acquired
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Croatia Under Article 5(1)(2) to 5(2)
- Absolute Grounds in Croatia Under Article 5: Prohibited Signs, Emblems, Policy and Deception
- Croatia Trademark System Under the Trademarks Act 2019: Articles 4, 22, 24 and 27
- See all 31 articles
Benelux
- Protecting Your Brand Online: .nl, .be, and .lu Domain Disputes
- Likelihood of Confusion in Benelux (Article 2.14 BCIP)
- Proving Acquired Distinctiveness in Benelux: Why the Bar Is So High
- The “Cooling-Off” Period: How to Settle Trademark Oppositions in Benelux
- Shape Marks in Benelux: The “Technical Function” Trap
- Descriptiveness in Benelux: The Multilingual Test
- See all 33 articles
Belarus
- If my trademark expires in Belarus, is there a grace period for renewal?
- When is the appropriate time to renew my trademark in Belarus?
- What documents are required for renewing a trademark in Belarus?
- Do I need to regularly submit a statement of trademark use in Belarus?
- Is Belarus part of the Madrid System for international trademark registration?
- What is the duration of the opposition period in Belarus?
- See all 25 articles
Austria
- Procedural Trademark Risks in Austria Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §29a, §33a and Madrid
- Likelihood of Confusion in Austria Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §§30 and 14
- Distinctiveness in Austria Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §1, §4(1) and §4(2)
- Absolute Grounds in Austria Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §4(1)1 and §4(1)4
- Descriptiveness and Genericness in Austria Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §4(1)2, §4(1)3, §4(2)
- Austria Trademark Filing and Opposition Under Markenschutzgesetz 1970: §§2, 3 and 29a
- See all 31 articles