To what extent is the success of trademark registration dependent on the scope of classes included on the application?

Photo of Jan Buza

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

This is very difficult to determine precisely as every application is unique. However, in general, the more classes an application includes, the bigger the chance that a similar company owns a registered trademark in one or more of these classes. In simple terms, the more classes, the higher the risk.

Let's say you decide to file for an EU trademark, including Class 25 (clothing), 14 (jewellery), 28 (toys), and 41 (training services). An owner of a similar trademark can file an opposition if the trademark is registered in one of the above-listed classes.

Let's go further and say you find out that there are three similar brands, one registered in Class 25, one in Class 41, and another one in Classes 25 and 14. All three of these companies might file an opposition against your application. If this happens, it will temporarily stop your application in Classes 14, 25, and 41 from proceeding until the issue is resolved. The rest of the application, that is, Class 28, would continue in the process.

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