TRADEMARKS
How to Register a Trademark in the EU (EUIPO) as a Non-Resident — 2026 Guide
Published October 2026 · 8 min read
One filing. 27 countries. That’s the power of an EU trademark (EUTM) through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
If you’re selling products or services in Europe — whether through Amazon EU, your own website, or wholesale — an EUTM is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your brand across the entire European Union. And you don’t need to be an EU resident to file one.
What Is an EU Trademark?
An EU trademark is a single registration that gives you exclusive rights to your brand name, logo, or slogan across all 27 EU member states. It’s administered by EUIPO, headquartered in Alicante, Spain.
Key advantages over filing in individual countries:
- One application, one fee — covers Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and 22 more countries
- Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- Online filing — entirely electronic, no paper forms
- Non-residents can file — but you’ll need a representative within the EEA
Important: Post-Brexit, the UK Is Separate
Since January 1, 2021, an EU trademark no longer covers the United Kingdom. If you sell in both the EU and UK, you need two separate filings: one with EUIPO and one with the UK IPO. Existing EUTMs registered before Brexit were automatically cloned into equivalent UK registrations, but new applications require separate filings.
Who Should Register an EUTM?
An EU trademark is particularly valuable if you:
- Sell on Amazon EU marketplaces (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Belgium)
- Ship products to multiple EU countries
- Plan to expand into Europe and want pre-emptive brand protection
- Need Amazon Brand Registry for EU stores (an EUTM application qualifies)
The EUIPO Filing Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Trademark Search
Before filing, search the EUIPO database (eSearch plus) and TMview for existing marks that could conflict with yours. Check for identical and similar marks in your Nice classes. This step prevents costly refusals and oppositions.
Step 2: Classify Your Goods and Services
Trademarks are registered by Nice Classification — 45 classes covering different types of goods and services. The EUIPO fee covers one class; additional classes cost €50 each. Getting this right is critical — wrong classes mean gaps in your protection.
Step 3: Appoint an EEA Representative
Non-EEA applicants must appoint a representative who is a qualified legal practitioner in an EEA member state. This is mandatory — EUIPO will not process your application without one. At LegalSway, we handle this through our attorney network.
Step 4: File the Application
Filing is done electronically through EUIPO’s e-filing portal. The application must include your mark (word mark, figurative mark, or other type), the Nice classes and goods/services description, and applicant details.
Step 5: Examination and Publication
EUIPO examines your application for absolute grounds (distinctiveness, descriptiveness). If it passes, the mark is published for a 3-month opposition period. If no one opposes, the mark proceeds to registration.
Step 6: Registration
Total timeline: typically 4-6 months from filing to registration (if unopposed). Once registered, your EUTM is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
EUIPO Fees (2026)
- Online filing (1 class): €850
- Second class: +€50
- Third and subsequent classes: +€150 each
These are EUIPO’s official fees. LegalSway’s service fee for handling the entire process — search, classification, representative appointment, filing, and monitoring — starts at $399.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing a descriptive mark: “Best Quality Electronics” will be refused. Your mark needs to be distinctive.
- Wrong Nice classes: If you sell physical products but only register in a services class, your products aren’t protected.
- Assuming EU covers the UK: It doesn’t, not since Brexit. You need a separate UK filing.
- Skipping the search: A conflicting prior mark can result in an opposition that costs more than the application itself.
Ready to Register?
LegalSway handles EU trademark registration end-to-end for non-residents. We take care of the search, classification, EEA representative appointment, filing, and monitoring — you just provide your brand details.
Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp.