According to ExpatInsider, Spain comes 2nd out of top destinations for Expats in 2023. Warm climate, delicious cuisine, culture and…great opportunities for work and business!
If you are starting a business in Spain, don’t forget to register your unique trade mark!
There are different ways to protect a Trade Mark in Spain:
- by European application, which covers 27 countries
- by registering trade mark in Spain locally
Option 2 is cost-effective and suitable for small and medium businesses/enterprises, running (or starting their entrepreneurs’ journey) in Spain. One Registration covers all provinces.
What are the terms of TM registration and certificate validity?
Term of registration is usually 7-9 months. Application should be filed in Spanish with OEPM – Oficina Espanola de Patentes y Marcas. Certificate is valid for 10 years and can be prolonged on the next 10 years
Trademark registration in Spain has an uninterrupted period:
- Filing of the application. From this point on, there is 1 month for a preliminary examination before the trademark is published in the Official Gazette.
- After the publication of the trademark, there are 2 months to file oppositions.
- Upon expiry of the opposition period and if there is no correspondence with third parties, the trademark is again examined for a final decision.
- Issuance of a permit (without correspondence with the office/third parties) – 7/8 months from the date of filing.
Visually, the whole process can be represented like that:
We are happy to assist you with:
- search for identity/similarity before filing an application
- drafting of a list of goods and services
- filing a trade mark application in Spain
- support of office work
- filing an opposition
- conducting correspondence regarding oppositions
- overcoming previous refusals to register a TM
- extension of the TM and other issues
- registration of changes in the name/address of the owner
- assignments of rights
- issuing licenses – permits for use