What Is A Community Trademark?

Protecting your brand is a necessary in the global market of today. If your business is part of the European Union making sure your trademark is protected across many nations may be a complex process. That is where the Community Trademark (CTM) found application.

Designed to streamline brand protection the CTM let companies file one trademark applicable across all EU members. Eliminating the necessity for many national registrations it changed everything.

Still keeping its primary advantages the system had a significant makeover in 2016 renaming as the European Union Trademark (EUTM).

But why should this concern for your business growth? Strong trademarks guarantee that your business identity is legally protected.

Therefore deterring rivals from exacting copy-cat behavior. It also facilitates EU growth therefore providing companies with a competitive advantage in a one-marketplace.

We will go over everything you need to know about the Community Trade Mark (now EUTM). Also we will explore why companies trying to be highly visible in Europe should pay close attention.

Let us start right now!

What is a Community Trademark?

With only one application a Community Trademark (CTM) was a single trademark system that let companies protect their brand across all European Union (EU) members.

Businesses might get EU-wide protection via one simplified procedure rather than several trademark registrations across many nations.

How is it Different from National Trademarks?

Unlike national trademark registrations which protect a brand only in the nation of filing a CTM offers complete coverage across the EU. This meant that companies avoided administrative effort or complexity by not negotiating many national trademark laws.

Companies trying to spread their activities across many European markets found especially helpful a CTM.

Legal Protection Across the EU

A registered Community Trademark gave the trade mark owner exclusive rights to use their trademark in all EU countries. This included the ability to take legal action against infringement anywhere in the EU, making it a powerful tool for brand protection.

Across the area the CTM system helped companies protect customer trust as well as uphold their brand identity.

Why Did the System Change in 2016?

In 2016, the CTM was rebranded as the European Union Trademark (EUTM) as part of an EU trademark reform.

Although the fundamental advantages were the same the update sought to modernise the system increase efficiency. Also it make trademark protection even more easily available for companies all throughout Europe.

Why is the Community Trademark Important?

Securing trademark protection for companies doing business in Europe is about protecting the identity or the market presence of your brand.

Now known as the European Union Trademark (EUTM) the Community Trademark (CTM) provided a cost-effective way for one registration to protect trademarks throughout all EU members.

For companies trying to grow within Europe, this approach was revolutionary. Companies could get EU-wide protection instead of handling many national trademark laws therefore guaranteeing their brand was legally recognised. Also protected against infringement across all members of the Union.

Having a single, unified trademark meant businesses could confidently market their products and service mark without worrying about copycats or legal battles in different countries.

The CTM (now EUTM) streamlined brand protection, making it easier for businesses to build strong, recognisable brands across Europe—a key advantage in today’s competitive global market.

Why Should You Get a Community Trademark?

If your business operates in or plans to expand within the European Union, securing a Community Trademark (CTM)—now known as the European Union Trademark (EUTM)—is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s why:

EU-Wide Protection with One Registration

A CTM/EUTM offers a unified registration that immediately covers all EU member states instead of separate trademark applications in every EU nation. This simplifies the entire process therefore saves companies from handling many legal systems.

Strong Legal Safeguards

A registered CTM/EUTM gives you exclusive EU rights over your trademark. This means wherever in the EU you may stop others from using a similar brand name or logo. It also empowers you legally to fight against infringers.

Enhanced Brand Recognition & Market Expansion

Knowing your brand is protected one registered trademark can let you firmly grow your company across many EU nations. Your trademark is still valid whether your launch is in Spain or France.

Cost-Effective & Future-Proof

The CTM/EUTM is significantly more reasonably priced. Also it provides long-term protection than registering individual national trademarks.

Furthermore your trademark automatically extends to newly joining EU members at no further expense.

Countries Where Community Trademark is Valid?

The European Union Trademark (EUTM), formerly known as the Community Trademark (CTM), provides trademark protection across all 27 European Union (EU) member countries.

With a single registration this integrated approach lets companies protect their trademark rights all around the EU.

The EU members with valid EUTM as of February 2025 are as follows.

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

It’s important to note that the EUTM’s protection extends only to these EU member countries. Non-EU countries, even those within Europe, are not covered by the EUTM.

Therefore, businesses seeking trademark protection in countries like Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom must file separate national applications or consider international registration systems that include these nations.

Benefits of a Community Trademark

Now known as the European Union Trademark (EUTM) registering a Community Trademark (CTM) provides companies with a cost saving approach to protect their trademark throughout Europe. Listed below is the rationale behind this wise action.

EU-Wide Protection

Your trademark is protected in all 27 EU countries with single registration. This simplifies brand expansion across borders by avoiding the effort of applying individually in every country.

Cost-Effective Solution

Filing for separate trademarks across many EU nations may be time-consuming. With one registration price covering protection throughout the whole European market the EUTM is noticeably less expensive.

Strong Legal Enforcement of Trademark Rights

Owning an EUTM gives you exclusive rights to your brand throughout the EU. If someone tries to copy or misuse your trademark in any member country, you have a centralised legal framework to take action and protect your brand.

Increased Brand Recognition

A unified trademark is uniform brand visibility around Europe. This builds customer confidence along with facilitates their association with your brand beyond national boundaries.

Simplified Renewal Process

The EUTM just needs one renewal every 10-year period instead of handling many trademark renewals therefore saving time as well as lightening administrative tasks.

Community Trademark vs National Trademark

Feature	Community Trademark (EUTM)	National Trademark
Coverage	Protects your brand in all 27 EU countries with a single registration.	Covers only one country, requiring separate registrations for each national offices.
Cost	More cost-effective for businesses operating in multiple EU countries. One fee covers all.	Cheaper initially if you only need protection in one country, but expensive if registering in multiple.
Legal Protection	Grants EU-wide exclusive rights. Infringement can be challenged across all member states.	Protection is limited to one country; separate legal actions needed for different nations.
Enforcement	Centralised enforcement across the EU. The EU courts as well as EUIPO handles conflicts.	Disputes are handled locally under national trademark laws.
Flexibility	Ideal for businesses expanding across Europe, ensuring unified brand protection.	National trade marks are suitable for local businesses operating in a single country.
Application Process	One application covers the entire EU.	Requires separate applications for each country, increasing paperwork.
Renewal	One renewal every 10 years for all EU countries.	Each country’s trademark must be renewed separately, adding complexity.
Risk Factor	If opposed or invalidated, protection is lost in all EU countries.	Opposition or invalidation only affects the specific country where it was filed.

Who Can Apply for a Community Trademark?

The European Union Trademark (EUTM) is meant to be accessible to a broad spectrum of applicants. Whether you run a big company or a small startup a single application can help you protect your brand across the EU.

The following are those qualified to apply.

Businesses & Corporations

Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the EUTM offers EU-wide protection for your trademark, making it ideal for companies looking to expand their reach across Europe.

Individuals

Entrepreneurs & startups can also apply for an EUTM, providing an easy and cost saving way to protect their brand in multiple European countries from the start.

Legal Entities

Organisations, associations, and other legal entities can register their trademark to safeguard their brand identity and ensure consistent protection across the EU.

Non-EU Applicants

Even if your business is outside the EU, you can apply for an EUTM, but you will need to appoint a legal representative within the EU to handle the application.

The EUTM offers broad accessibility, making it a great option for businesses and individuals of all sizes looking to protect their brand in the EU.

How to Register a Community Trademark?

Registering your trademark under the European Union Trademark (EUTM) system is a straightforward process. Here is a quick guide for European trademark registration.

Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing your application with the community trademark office, it’s important to check if your trademark is available. Conduct a thorough trademark search using the EUIPO’s online database.

The comprehensive trademark availability searches helps you avoid conflicting marks with existing trademarks and ensures your brand stands out in the market.

File an Application with the EUIPO

Once you’ve confirmed that your trademark is available, you can file your application directly with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

You’ll need to provide details like the trademark’s name, logo, goods or services it applies to, and your contact information. You can file online through the EUIPO’s website.

Examination Process

After submission, the EUIPO will review your application to ensure it meets all requirements, such as distinctiveness and clarity. They’ll check for any absolute grounds for refusal, such as descriptive or generic terms.

Publication & Opposition Period

Once the application passes the examination, it’s published in the European Union Trade Marks Bulletin. This starts a three-month opposition period, where third parties can object to your trademark if they believe it conflicts with their own.

Approval or Rejection

If there are no objections, or if they’re resolved, the EUIPO will grant EUTM protection. If rejected, you can appeal or amend your application. Upon approval, your trademark is protected in all 27 EU countries for 10 years.

This streamlined process makes protecting your brand across Europe easier than ever!

Costs of Community Trademark Registration

The cost of registering a European Union Trademark (EUTM) is relatively straightforward, with fees based on the number of classes of goods or services you want to protect. Here’s a breakdown:

Basic Application Fee

The basic fee for a single class is €850. This covers one category of goods or services under which you wish to register your trademark.

Additional Class Fees

If you want to protect your trademark in multiple classes, there are additional fees for extra class.

• The second class costs €50.
• For three or more classes, the fee increases to €150.

Renewal Fees

Once your trademark is registered, it’s valid for 10 years. To maintain protection, you’ll need to renew your EUTM every 10 years by paying a renewal fee, which varies based on the number of classes.

In comparison to national trademark filings, the EUTM offers a cost-effective way to protect your brand across all EU countries with one registration.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a CTM

When applying for a Community Trademark (EUTM), it’s easy to make mistakes that can delay the ongoing process or lead to rejection. Here are some of the most common errors to avoid:

Not Conducting a Trademark Search

One of the biggest mistakes is failing to perform a trademark search before applying. You should always check if your desired trademark is already in use.

This helps you avoid conflicts with existing trademarks and ensures your application moves forward without objections.

Choosing the Wrong Trademark Class

The class system categorises the goods or services your trademark applies to. Choosing the wrong class can limit your trademark’s protection or cause delays in processing.

It’s important to be precise and select the classes that truly represent your business.

Ignoring Potential Oppositions

After submission, your trademark will be published for opposition. Existing trademark holders may file objections if they believe your mark conflicts with theirs.

Failing to consider this stage can lead to delays or rejections if you don’t respond to challenges appropriately.

Failing to Renew the Trademark

An EUTM is valid for 10 years, but it’s easy to forget about renewal. Neglecting to renew on time means you risk losing protection in all EU countries.

Overlooking the Geographical Scope of Protection

While the EUTM protects your trademark across the EU, businesses sometimes assume it covers non-EU countries. If you plan to expand outside the EU, additional national rights protection may be needed.

How Long Does a Community Trademark Last?

A Community Trademark (EUTM) provides protection for 10 years from the registration date. This initial period allows you to safeguard your brand across all 27 EU member states.

However, the trademark doesn’t expire after 10 years — it can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year intervals, as long as you continue using it and meet all necessary renewal requirements.

Why Timely Renewal is Important?

Timely renewal ensures that your trademark stays active and protected. Failing to renew on time can result in the loss of protection in all EU countries.

It’s essential to keep track of the renewal deadline and submit the necessary fee to maintain your brand’s status.

Can a Community Trademark Be Revoked?

Yes, an EUTM can be revoked under certain circumstances, such as:

Failure to Use the Trademark for 5+ Years

If a trademark isn’t used for a continuous period of 5 years, it can be challenged by third parties and revoked. Regular use is essential to maintaining trademark rights.

Opposition from Another Trademark Owner

If another trademark owner proves that your mark conflicts with theirs, they may challenge your trademark in court, leading to a potential revocation.

Becoming Generic

If a trademark becomes generic (e.g., Aspirin lost its protection), it can no longer be considered exclusive. Over time, the mark may be seen as a general term, losing its distinctiveness.

Legal Disputes

Trademark revocation can also occur through court rulings or legal actions, especially if there’s proof of bad faith or misleading practices.

What Happens If a Community Trademark is Refused/Cancelled?

If your Community Trademark (EUTM) application is refused, it means that the EUIPO has determined that your trademark doesn’t meet the necessary requirements, such as distinctiveness or compliance with trademark laws.

The refusal could be due to issues like conflicts with existing trademarks, being too generic, or lacking the ability to distinguish your brand.

You can appeal the decision or modify the application to address the issues raised by the EUIPO. If the refusal is upheld, you may lose the opportunity to secure protection under the EUTM system.

If your EUTM is cancelled, it means the protection granted to your trademark is revoked. This could happen for reasons like non-use for five years, becoming generic, or legal disputes.

You can also challenge a cancellation, but if unsuccessful, your trademark will no longer be valid in the EU.

How Can You License CTM Trademark?

Licensing your Community Trademark (EUTM) allows others to use your trademark while you retain ownership rights. This can be a valuable strategy for expanding your brand’s reach without losing control.

Here’s how you can license your trademark:

Draft a Licensing Agreement

The first step is to create a licensing agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of use. This agreement should specify the scope of the license, duration, geographical area, and any restrictions on how the trademark is used.

Register the License with the EUIPO

To ensure legal validity, you must register the licensing agreement with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This ensures that the ownership transitions is officially recognised and protects both parties.

Monitor the Use of Your Trademark

As the trademark owner, it’s essential to monitor how the licensee is using your trademark to ensure it aligns with your brand standards and that there are no infringements.

What’s Next?

A Community Trademark (EUTM) is a powerful tool for businesses looking to protect their brand across the entire European Union.

With a single registration, you gain EU-wide protection, saving time and money compared to registering in multiple countries.

Whether you’re a small business, entrepreneur, or corporation, the EUTM offers cost-effective, long-term brand protection for up to 10 years, with the option to renew indefinitely.

By knowing the registration process, avoiding common mistakes, and actively managing your trademark, you can secure your brand’s presence in the EU market.

With the right approach, an EUTM ensures your trademark remains distinctive and strong, helping your business thrive in the competitive European marketplace.

With Bytescare Brand Protection, you can secure your brand worldwide, extending protection across top social media platforms. Stay in control with real-time access to a customisable dashboard, overcoming jurisdictional challenges.

Protect your brand and gain a competitive edge. Ready to secure your brand? Contact us today for full protection.

FAQs