What is the difference between an EU trademark and a national trademark?

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Written by Tomas Orsula

Senior Trademark Attorney

EU trademark is a trademark filed with the EUIPO. It covers all 27 member states of the EU with a single application. Once the application is approved, your brand is protected against anyone infringing on it in any EU member state. For example, if you file an EU trademark and someone copies your trademark in Germany, you'll have legal grounds to stop them.

A national trademark is filed with one of the national IP offices. The protection is limited to the country where the trademark was filed.

In summary, the EU trademark offers broader protection; however, it is more expensive and may be difficult to register since more already registered trademarks would be permitted to oppose your application.

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