Trademark registration.
DPMA Germany. EUIPO Europe. Madrid worldwide.
Clearance search, Nice-class specification, filing, opposition-window monitoring, and enforcement. 4 to 10 months to registration.
Three filing venues: DPMA for Germany, EUIPO for EU-wide coverage, WIPO Madrid for international designations. German law is in the Markengesetz (MarkenG), EU in Regulation (EU) 2017/1001.
Which venue?
DPMA if Germany-only (cheapest, ~€300 base, up to 3 classes). EUIPO if pan-EU presence (€850 one class, protection across 27 member states). Madrid if global rollout. Default for SaaS and DTC brands: EUIPO. Default for DE-only service business: DPMA.
Absolute grounds for refusal (§ 8 MarkenG)
Distinctiveness required; descriptive, generic, deceptive, or public-policy-offending marks are refused. § 8 MarkenG lists absolute bars. Relative grounds (conflict with prior marks) are checked only on opposition, not ex officio, so prior search matters.
Pre-filing clearance
Our standard scope: DPMA, EUIPO and Madrid database search, WIPO Global Brand Database cross-check, and common-law style use check where applicable. A rejected filing costs the filing fee and months of time; a clean clearance costs €600 to €1,200 up front.
Nice classification
45 classes (34 goods, 11 services). Specification narrow enough to survive cancellation for non-use, broad enough to cover planned expansion. Typical mark: 2 to 3 classes.
Opposition window and genuine use
3-month opposition period after publication. Third parties with prior rights can block registration. Use obligation under §§ 25-26 MarkenG: after 5 years, you must demonstrate genuine use in DE (DPMA) or EU (EUTM, at least one member state).
Enforcement
Injunction (§ 14 MarkenG), damages, recall of goods, information rights (§ 19). Abmahnung (warning letter) is the standard first step before litigation.
Often booked alongside this one.
Frequently asked questions
DPMA vs EUIPO, which trademark should I file?
DPMA if DE-only. EUIPO if EU-wide presence. Madrid if global rollout. Most SaaS / DTC brands pick EUIPO.
How much does a German trademark cost in 2026?
DPMA base fee ~€300 online for up to 3 classes, +€100 per additional class. Verify current schedule at filing.
How much does an EU trademark (EUTM) cost?
EUIPO €850 one class, +€50 for second, +€150 per additional class.
How long does trademark registration take at DPMA?
7 to 10 months standard, 6 months with accelerated examination.
Can I file a trademark if I'm not resident in Germany?
Yes. No residency requirement. Non-EU filers must appoint an EU representative for EUIPO filings.
What is the Nice classification and how do I pick classes?
45 classes (34 goods, 11 services). Specify narrow enough to evidence genuine use, broad enough to cover plans. Typical filing: 2 to 3 classes.
What are absolute grounds for trademark refusal?
Lack of distinctiveness, descriptiveness, deceptiveness, public policy, bad faith. § 8 MarkenG lists the grounds.
What is the opposition period and how do I respond to one?
3 months after publication. Opposition proceedings take 6 to 18 months. Defence tactics: negotiate coexistence, narrow specification, challenge prior mark.
What is genuine use and when does it apply?
After 5 years of registration, you must prove real commercial use. Tokens and ads are insufficient; actual product/service-to-customer evidence required.
How do I enforce my German trademark against infringement?
Abmahnung first (written warning letter demanding cessation). If ignored, injunction and damages action. Information rights force disclosure of supply chain.
What is the Madrid System and when does it make sense?
Single international application designating multiple countries. Cost-efficient when you need 4+ countries beyond the EU.
Can I trademark a sound, colour, or 3D shape?
Yes, with stricter distinctiveness evidence. Colours require strong evidence of acquired distinctiveness; 3D shapes must not be functional.
Tell us what you need
Engineered from Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Munich. One partner per office, English contract, response within one working day.