How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in Europe?

Protecting your brand in Europe is often far more affordable than business owners expect. Many companies assume that trademark registration across multiple European countries requires separate filings and large legal budgets. In reality, the European trademark system offers a highly cost-effective solution through a single application covering all 27 European Union Member States.

In this guide, we explain how much it costs to register a trademark in Europe, what fees are involved, and what businesses should consider before filing.

What Is a European Trademark?

A European Union trademark (EUTM) is a single trademark registration administered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office. Once registered, it provides protection in all 27 EU countries through one centralized application.

Instead of filing separately in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and other countries, businesses can use one application to secure protection throughout the European Union.

This makes the EU trademark system one of the most efficient and affordable international trademark systems available today.

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Official EU Trademark Fees

The official government fees charged by the EUIPO are currently:

  • €850 for the first class of goods or services
  • €50 for the second class
  • €150 for the third and each additional class

For many businesses, one class is sufficient, especially when protecting a single product category or service area.

For example:

  • A clothing brand filing in one class pays €850 official fee
  • A software company filing in two classes pays €900 official fee
  • A larger business filing in three classes pays €1,050 official fee

The number of classes depends on the goods and services you want to protect.

What Are Trademark Classes?

Trademark applications are divided into categories known as “classes.” These classes define the products or services covered by the trademark.

Examples include:

  • Class 25 – clothing and footwear
  • Class 35 – advertising and online retail services
  • Class 9 – software and electronics
  • Class 41 – education and training services

Choosing the correct classes is important because you cannot significantly expand the specification after filing.

Many businesses make mistakes at this stage by selecting overly broad or unclear descriptions, which can later create problems during examination or enforcement.

Additional Professional Fees

Besides official government fees, many businesses choose to work with trademark professionals or attorneys.

Professional assistance may include:

  • preparing the application
  • reviewing the trademark for registrability
  • preparing the goods and services list
  • checking for potential conflicts
  • handling communication with the trademark office

At MyTrademarkPartner, professional assistance for an EU trademark application starts from €150 plus official fees. The process is designed to remain straightforward and cost-effective for startups, online sellers, and growing businesses.

Is an EU Trademark Cheaper Than National Filings?

In many cases, yes.

If a business plans to operate in multiple EU countries, filing separate national trademarks can quickly become expensive. Each country has its own filing fees, procedures, and renewal requirements.

An EU trademark offers several advantages:

  • one application
  • one language
  • centralized administration
  • protection across all EU Member States
  • simplified renewals and record changes

For companies selling online or expanding internationally, this is usually the most practical and cost-efficient option.

What Other Costs Should Businesses Consider?

Besides filing fees, businesses should also consider:

Trademark Search (free using tmview)

Conducting a trademark search before filing is highly recommended. A search helps identify earlier trademarks that could lead to objections or oppositions.

A failed application can result in:

  • loss of official fees
  • rebranding costs
  • legal disputes
  • delayed product launches

This is why many businesses perform at least a preliminary search before investing in branding and marketing.

Opposition or Objection Costs

If another trademark owner opposes the application, or if the EUIPO raises objections during examination, additional professional costs may arise.

Common reasons for objections include:

  • descriptive trademarks
  • lack of distinctiveness
  • similarity to earlier trademarks
  • incorrect specification of goods and services

Careful preparation from the start significantly reduces these risks.

How Long Does Registration Last?

An EU trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.

For many businesses, trademark registration becomes a long-term business asset that supports branding, licensing, and expansion.

Is Trademark Registration Worth the Cost?

For most businesses, the answer is yes.

A registered trademark provides:

  • exclusive rights to use the brand
  • stronger legal protection
  • greater business credibility
  • protection against competitors using similar names
  • value for investors and partnerships

Compared to the potential cost of rebranding or legal disputes, trademark registration is usually a relatively small investment.

Final Thoughts

The cost of registering a trademark in Europe is often lower than businesses expect, especially considering that one EU trademark application provides protection across all 27 EU Member States.

While official fees start from €850 for one class, professional assistance can help businesses avoid costly mistakes and improve the chances of successful registration.

Before filing, businesses should carefully consider their trademark, goods and services, and long-term expansion plans. Proper preparation at the beginning can save significant time and money later.

Ready to Register Your Trademark?

You don’t need to overpay for legal help – and you don’t need to figure it all out alone. Just tell us where you need protection, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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