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Benelux trademark protects Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg. In order to obtain trademark protection in Benelux you can register your trademark in two ways: First option is that you request registration in the entire European Union with one single application; this can be done via the European Union Trademark which grants trademark protection in the 28 country members of the EU (more info here). Second option is that you register directly your trademark in Benelux. If you want to proceed this way please follow the steps described belows.
Step 1 - Comprehensive Trademark Study
Planning to file a trademark in Benelux? Don't risk wasting time and money on a registration that won't go through. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study helps you identify potential issues before you file, including conflicting trademarks and registrability issues. Our expert trademark attorneys provide an opinion on the registration possibilities of your trademark, giving you the confidence you need to move forward with your application.
Identify Potential Conflicts Before Filing Your Trademark
Expert Guidance to Avoid Costly Legal Disputes
Streamline Your Trademark Registration Process
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Step 2 - Trademark Application Filing
Our team of trademark attorneys will handle the entire process of filing your trademark application in Benelux, ensuring that all necessary formalities are completed for the approval and final registration of your trademark. We'll keep you informed every step of the way, starting with a filing report that includes your application number and date of submission, as well as a scanned copy of your application. You can be confident that your application will be processed quickly and accurately.
Experienced Trademark Attorneys for Your Application
Filing Report and Scanned Copy of Trademark Application
Online Tracking of Trademark Registration Status
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Step 3 - Trademark Registration Certificate
Once your trademark application is approved, our team will handle all the formalities necessary to obtain your trademark registration certificate in Benelux, ensuring the process is completed smoothly and efficiently. Once the certificate is issued, we'll send it to your address along with a report that includes your registration number. We'll also monitor and notify you of any important dates related to your registration to ensure that your trademark remains in good standing.
Experienced Trademark Attorneys Assistance
Delivery of Registration Certificate and Report
Monitoring and Notification of Important Dates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Trademark Registration
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Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?

The average time frame for the registration approval is 3 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.

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If I register my trademark in Benelux, do I have protection in other territories?

Registered trademarks in Benelux are protected in Luxembourg, Belgium and Netherlands

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Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is not required.

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Are there any benefits from using your trademark before filing?

The applicant may benefit from using the mark before filing for application but it does not guarantee any right. First, pre-filing use helps in acquiring distinctiveness. Second, third-parties will have no ground to file an opposition based on non-distinctiveness.

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What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in Benelux?

The application process starts with the examination of requirements. This phase will ensure that the applicant complies with all the requirements with regards to formality, classification, distinctiveness, descriptiveness and deceptiveness.  Next, the application details will be posted online and opposition period will start. Depending on whether there are objections or none, the next step would be the actual registration of the mark.

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Does the European Union trademark cover Benelux?

Yes. Benelux is covered by the European Union Trade Mark (formerly Community Trademark). Multinational registration is effective in Benelux.

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Can you claim priority in Benelux?

Yes. Since Benelux is a member of the Paris Convention, you can protect your trademark in all other countries that are also a member of the Paris Convention. Your mark will be protected from the date when you initially filed your application. The same also applies if the home country of the applicant is a member of the World Trade Organization.

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What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?

Use your trademark within 5 years from the date it was registered. It is mandatory to use the mark on a commercial scale and the transaction must occur in the Benelux jurisdiction.

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Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?

The trademark registration has validity for 10 years from the filing date.

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Does having a registered trademark in Benelux give me any right?

Yes. The first to file rule is applicable in Benelux. It is mandatory to register a trademark in order to establish rights. Using an unregistered mark, even for many years, does not guarantee ownership and protection.

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Do I need to be using my trademark before I apply for registration?

Use of mark or intention to use it is not a requirement for registration.

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Who can oppose my trademark registration?

Your application may be objected by the owner of a mark that has a strong resemblance to your mark and was registered earlier than yours.

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Is it possible to cancel a registration?

Yes. A registered mark can be cancelled on the grounds of propriety rights and violation of the rule regarding geographical indication.

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Are there any rights established by having a registered trademark?

Yes. The owner of a registered mark establishes the following rights:

  • Exclusive right to use the mark 
  • Right to license other businesses to use his trademark for selling
  • Right to file an infringement case against third-parties that use strikingly similar mark
  • Right to file an action to cancel any conflicting application
  • Right to bring seizure to counterfeit goods
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How long is the opposition period?

After the application is examined, the details will be published for interested parties to see. Opposition starts on the date of publication and will end 60 days (or two months) after the publication date.

Basic Concepts
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What are trademark classes?

Trademark Offices around the world use classes to divide commercial products and services into defined categories.  When you apply for your trademark to protect your brand, you must define the class or classes that you believe best describe your business activity. 

Countries around the world have standardized 45 classes (34 for products and 11 for services) for international use under the Nice International Classification.

These classes group all known products and services. If applicable, you can register the same trademark in more than one class; for example, you may register the trademark KING for computers in class 23 and register the same trademark in class 24 for cosmetics. 

Trademark protection only extends to commercial use within your specified classes.  It is, therefore, possible for two entities conducting business in different classes to use identical or similar trademarks and for each entity to enjoy full trademark protection in their respective classes. If you feel that protection should extend to include more than one class, you can choose multiple classes under which to conduct business.

You can search for your trademark class with this Trademark Class Search tool.

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Do I have to specify the products and services?

Yes, you have. It is not possible to register trademarks that are too descriptive or generic. For example, you cannot register the term 'CAR' for automobiles. You also cannot register a trademark that is like other marks. For example, you cannot register a trademark like HAMASON as an online bookstore because it resembles the Amazon brand name.  

If you are unaware of which class or classes best protect your goods and services, we recommend you order the Trademark Study. Our experienced attorneys will review your product or service description and match it to the class or classes most for your business activity. 

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What is a priority claim and when can I use it?

A priority claim is an allowance based on Article 4 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It enables you as the owner of a filed trademark to file subsequent trademark applications in any of the Convention’s signatory countries using the effective date of your first application as long as you file the subsequent applications within six months of your original trademark application.  That means if you apply for a trademark in Canada, five months later, you can apply for a trademark in France using the effective date of your Canadian application.

We strongly recommend that you submit your additional applications as soon as possible after your base application.  Many countries have strict requirements regarding the type of documentation required in order to claim priority (sometimes including legalization and translation of the original application). 

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What happens if oppositions or objections arise during the registration process?

The purpose of the Trademark Study is to assess the probabilities of objections and oppositions. If objections or oppositions arise, Nominus.com relies on experienced Trademark Attorneys that will guide you in the appropriate course of action.

Upon notification of an office action or opposition, we strive to:

  • Communicate the details of the action to you as quickly as possible.
  • Include future steps and possible arguments.
  • Monitor deadlines and explain the costs to prepare and submit a response, if applicable.
     
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What does it mean to file a trademark with a Claim of Priority?

A Claim of Priority, often referred to as Convention Priority, is a provision outlined in the Paris Convention. This provision enables applicants to seek trademark protection in any member nation within six months from their first filing, all while maintaining the initial application date. This mechanism provides applicants with a priority advantage for registering their trademark in all member countries of the Paris Union, streamlining the process of securing international trademark protection.

Trademark Search
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Why do I need to perform a trademark search?

Once you have a product or service and think you have a name for it, how do you know you can use it as your own? What happens if you unintentionally use a registered trademark name? 

Too many people use a name without knowing whether or not they have the legal right to do so. They organize massive marketing campaigns with names they later find they’re not allowed to use. Performing a trademark search before deciding which trademark to register is a wise thing to do, especially when you consider future risks of litigation.  

It is a good idea to carry out some research before starting to do business with a trademark. It may not be in your best interest to use a mark if another company is already actively conducting business in the same class.  The other company may object to you using the trademark and legally prohibit you from doing so.

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What is a preliminary trademark search?

Your preliminary trademark search is an important first step before you spend time and money considering whether to apply for a potential trademark or not.

If you have trademark experience, you can use our free trademark search engine, or others like the TMView trademark search engine, to search for existing marks that are identical to your planned trademark. While preliminary trademark searches are a critical part of your registration process, a successful search that shows no conflicts with identical marks does not necessarily mean the Trademark Office will not reject your registration application. 

if you have little or no experience dealing with trademarks, we suggest you find professional help. Our company offers the service Trademark Study. The Study will give you details about the classes where might want to register your trademark, it will also list identical and similar trademarks, and finally, it will provide you an Attorney's recommendation about registration possibilities and use of your trademark.

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Where can I perform a trademark search?

If you know a little about trademark registration, you can search using any online trademark search tool. If not, we recommend that you hire a trademark attorney or trademark service like Nominus.com to handle your trademark registration requirements, especially the trademark search because the process is complex and relatively time-consuming.

Please note that if you don’t manage to complete the application process correctly, the registration can drag on for several months and end up costing far more than you intended to pay. The trademark search is a critical part of the process.

A broad trademark search is essential in today's marketplace, given the increasing number of unregistered and common law trademarks. Globalization also raises the question of entering international markets and registering trademarks in foreign countries to protect both your brand and your property rights.

Please note that even a complete trademark search does not necessarily guarantee your trademark will be accepted and registered. A  Trademark Study includes an extended review process and, more significantly, a formal evaluation of the likelihood that your application will be successful.

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