For US Brands · EUIPO & National
EU Trade Mark Counsel for US Brands.
Protect your brand in Europe before franchise, licensing or distribution expansion creates risk.
Who this page is for
US companies entering Europe.
This page is for US companies entering Europe through direct sales, franchising, licensing, distribution or brand partnerships — where the brand itself is the asset under expansion.
What's at stake
Business risks, not legal abstractions.
- 01Your brand may already be blocked in part of Europe.
- 02Your US filing does not protect you in the EU.
- 03Franchise or licensing expansion can expose weak class coverage.
- 04Distributor relationships can create trade mark control issues.
- 05Opposition risk may delay launch.
Services
What I do for trade mark clients.
- —EU trade mark filing strategy
- —EUTM applications
- —Clearance and risk review
- —Oppositions and cancellations
- —Coexistence agreements
- —Trade mark support for franchise, licensing and distribution structures
Why work with me
Direct, partner-level work — in English.
I am a European patent attorney and trade mark counsel with my own established practice. I work directly in English, advise foreign clients on European protection strategy, and combine legal precision with commercial awareness.
- — Direct partner-level work
- — Fast and practical advice in English
- — European filing and dispute experience
- — Useful for expansion-stage businesses, not only large corporations
How I typically help
Three situations I see most often.
01
US brand launching in the EU
Clearance, filing, class coverage and launch risk — handled before marketing commits.
02
Franchisor entering Europe
Trade mark protection, territorial structure, licensing support and control provisions for master franchise deals.
03
Brand facing conflict
Opposition, coexistence and negotiation strategy when someone challenges — or you need to challenge.
FAQ
Common questions.
- Do I need an EU trade mark or national filings?
- In most cases an EUTM gives you a single registration covering all EU member states. National filings make sense in specific situations — we look at your markets, conflict landscape and budget.
- Is my US registration enough in Europe?
- No. Trade mark rights are territorial. A US registration gives you no protection in the EU; you need an EUTM or national filings.
- What happens if someone opposes my EU filing?
- You have a window to respond, negotiate a coexistence, narrow your goods and services, or defend on the merits. Early opposition advice often avoids a fight.
- Should I file before signing a master franchise deal?
- Yes. Your trade mark is the asset the franchisee licenses. Filing before signing protects your control and your royalty stream.
- Can trade mark issues delay European launch?
- They can — through opposition, conflict with a prior right, or class-coverage gaps. Most of these are predictable with a clearance review.
Expanding your brand into Europe?
Let’s discuss the trade mark issues before they become launch problems. When you write, please include your company, website, and what you’re planning in Europe.