How long does it take for my brand to be registered?
September 30, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Helma Krause
Dear trademark attorney,
I am Ben Werner and I recently applied for a trademark for my company. I am now thinking about how long it will take for my trademark to be actually registered and legally protected.
The situation is as follows: I founded my company several years ago and have already built a loyal customer base. In order to strengthen my brand further and protect it from imitators, I have decided to officially register the trademark. I have submitted the application and all necessary documents.
My concerns now are that I do not know exactly how long the entire process of trademark registration will take. I am afraid that there might be delays and I will not be able to protect my trademark in time. Additionally, I am unsure what will happen if my trademark is rejected and I have to revise it.
Therefore, my question to you is: How long does it usually take for my trademark to be registered? Are there possible delays I should be prepared for? And what happens if my trademark is rejected - are there solutions to still protect it?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ben Werner.
Dear Mr. Werner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the registration of your trademark. As a trademark attorney, I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
First and foremost, I want to assure you that by registering your trademark, you have taken an important step in protecting your intellectual property. The duration of the registration process depends on various factors, such as the workload of the relevant trademark office, the complexity of your trademark, and any potential opposition from third parties. Typically, it takes between 6 months and 1 year for a trademark to be fully registered. During this time, you can already use the TM symbol to signal to third parties that you are protecting your trademark.
It is possible that there may be delays in the registration process. This could be due to missing documents, unclear trademark descriptions, or opposition from third parties. In such cases, it is important for you to respond promptly and take all necessary steps to expedite the process.
If your trademark is rejected, there are various options to still protect it. For example, you can file an appeal against the rejection, revise your trademark, or consider alternative forms of protection, such as utility model registration or filing an international trademark. In any case, it is advisable to seek legal assistance in such situations to best represent your interests.
Finally, I encourage you to be patient and actively participate in the registration process of your trademark. By protecting your trademark, you not only strengthen your business but also secure your long-term success in the market.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Helma Krause
Trademark Attorney
