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EU trademark for Swiss company from Zurich
Your brand, our expertise: Trademark advice for your success.
EU trademark lawyer: Effective trademark protection for Swiss companies from Zurich in the European Union
For Swiss companies from Zurich that operate in the European Union or wish to offer their products and services there, trademark protection within the EU offers crucial protection. However, trademark protection granted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) in Zurich only applies to the Swiss market. If you also want to protect your trademark in the EU, registering an EU trademark (often referred to as a Community trademark) is the right step. As a trademark attorney, we can help you register your EU trademark.
The advantages of an EU trademark for Swiss companies from Zurich
Uniform protection in all EU countries:
With an EU trademark, you receive protection in all 27 member states of the European Union. Once registered, trademark protection is valid in all member states – and at an affordable price.
Easy enforcement of trademark protection
If a competitor infringes your EU trademark in one or more member states, you can enforce your trademark protection before a single court in the EU—for example, the Regional Court in Berlin. This makes the administration and enforcement of trademark rights significantly more efficient and cost-effective than registering national trademarks in each individual country.
More cost-effective than international trademark registration
The costs of registering an EU trademark are often significantly lower than extending a Swiss trademark internationally to EU countries via the Madrid System. This makes the EU trademark the preferred choice for Zurich-based companies seeking to extend their trademark protection in the EU.
Why is trademark protection in the EU important for Swiss companies from Zurich?
For Zurich-based companies operating in countries like Germany, France, Italy, or Spain, protecting their trademark outside of Switzerland is crucial. Without an EU trademark, there's a risk that your trademark will be used by competitors in those countries without your consent. This can lead to a range of problems, from trademark infringement to the cost and effort of rebranding your products. Furthermore, registering a separate national trademark in each EU country can be expensive and time-consuming.
How can Swiss companies from Zurich register an EU trademark?
Swiss companies from Zurich can register an EU trademark in two different ways: directly with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante or through the Madrid System for International Trademark Registration. We explain both options below:
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Direct registration with the EUIPO:
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Registration can be done directly online with the EUIPO.
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To register an EU trademark, you must appoint a representative based in the EU, as Swiss companies from Zurich cannot register directly with the EUIPO.
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After the application, the EUIPO examines and publishes the trademark. A three-month opposition period begins, during which third parties can file oppositions to the application.
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After successful registration, trademark protection is valid throughout the EU and offers comprehensive protection against imitators and trademark infringements.
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International registration via the Madrid System:
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Another option is to file through the Madrid System, which allows for international registration. This can be useful for Swiss companies based in Zurich that also want trademark protection in other countries.
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However, this method is usually associated with higher costs and requires a prior trademark registration in Switzerland, which then serves as the basis for the international application.
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Costs of EU trademark registration for companies from Zurich
Filing an EU trademark directly with the EUIPO is generally more cost-effective than extending a Swiss trademark internationally through the Madrid System. Here are the main costs:
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Basic fees: The official fees for registering an EU trademark are €850 (approx. CHF930) for the first three classes of goods or services.
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Additional fees: For each additional class for which trademark protection is requested, a fee of 150 € (approx. 160 CHF) is charged.
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Costs for the representative: Swiss companies from Zurich require a representative in the EU, for which separate costs are incurred.
Filing through the Madrid system is more expensive: the international extension fees amount to CHF 1,864, which is significantly more expensive than filing directly with the EUIPO.
EU trademark vs. Swiss trademark: What is the difference for companies from Zurich?
The biggest difference between a Swiss trademark and an EU trademark is the geographical scope of protection. A Swiss trademark protects your trademark exclusively in Switzerland, while an EU trademark offers protection in all member states of the European Union. Another advantage of an EU trademark is that it saves you the cost and effort of registering a separate national trademark in each EU country.
Make an inquiry now
We will be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.
Make an inquiry now
We will be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.
EU trademark protection for Swiss companies from Zurich
For Swiss companies from Zurich that want to protect their trademark in the EU, registering an EU trademark is a cost-effective, simple, and effective solution. Trademark protection applies in all EU member states and protects against imitators and trademark infringements. Registration can be done directly with the EUIPO, but a representative based in the EU is required.
If you, a Zurich-based company, would like to register a trademark in the EU, I am the right person for you. As an experienced attorney, I will guide you through the entire trademark registration process and ensure that your trademark is legally protected. Let's work together to ensure that your trademark is optimally protected both in Switzerland and in the EU. Don't hesitate to contact me to professionally clarify all the legal details.
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