The Power of a European Trademark

If you are at all interested in business and entrepreneurship, then you probably know what a trademark is and how it can be a valuable asset to a company. Having a registered trademark ensures that no entity can use or profit off your brand without permission.

When you own a business, it is your duty to protect your brand's trademark. However, while almost everyone is aware of the importance of trademark protection, few people know what it takes to do so. The ironic truth is that most companies learn about the importance of registering a trademark after a competitor steals it.

The good news is that technology has streamlined the way we live and work. Even the trademark application process has been simplified, and today you can complete it in only a few clicks.

It is now remarkably easy for EU-based business owners to secure and protect their intellectual property. Here are a few reasons why you should consider securing an EU trademark for your business.

Benefits of an EU Trademark

There are many companies being set up every day, but they are not all made equal.

A brand's trademark is a way to differentiate them from other businesses. Trademarks can be words, logos, devices, or even combinations of those things, and they indicate the origin of a business and its products and services. They establish businesses as unique entities with distinct identities. That's why trademarks are important for your business—so you can create an impactful and memorable brand identity.

As your business grows and improves, the trademark makes it easier for customers to find you and continue to purchase your products or services. The more recognizable your brand is, the more likely you are to get return customers. Over time, a distinctive trademark can also increase the value of your company.

Finally, trademarks help businesses hire more people—they are responsible for creating more jobs. A 2016 study by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) revealed that 21% of jobs in Europe were created by trademark-intensive industries. By creating more jobs, these companies help their businesses grow even faster.

EU Trademark Registration vs National Registration

The decision between registering your brand nationally or in the European Union is actually quite simple—it comes down to whether or not you want to make your company available in other countries.

One of the major differences between EU and national trademark registration is that when you apply for registration with the EUIPO, you are applying for protection in every European member state at once—no need to fill out individual applications. This makes it not only more cost-effective, but also easier to manage than multiple trademarks across multiple countries. Not only that, the application can be filled out in English with no need for translation, which will save you time and money.

If you think that eventually your company could operate on an international scale, then choosing an EU-based trademark registration rather than going for a national one will save you time and money—and get you started with a truly global footprint.

How Can You Protect Your Trademark?

For EU-based businesses, there are two ways to secure protection under trademark law: either registering on a national level with your country's intellectual property office, or on the EU level with the help of the EUIPO.

If you choose to register on the EU level, you'll be able to protect your brand from unauthorized use across the entire European Union. This way, you'll be able to build a solid foundation for your company, giving it a clear path for expansion and success for years to come.

Protect your brand today!

Contact a trademark adviser