What is a European trademark attorney?

A representative entitled to act before the EUIPO in trade mark matters across the EU. Unlike a US trademark attorney, the role covers EU-wide filing, opposition and cancellation practice rather than USPTO practice.

Does my US trademark registration protect me in Europe?

No. Trade mark rights are territorial. A USPTO registration gives you no rights in the EU — you need an EU trade mark (EUTM), national filings, or a Madrid designation.

How long does an EU trademark application take?

Roughly 4-6 months if unopposed. Publication opens a three-month opposition window; an opposition typically adds a year or more.

EUIPO or EPO — which office handles trademarks?

The EUIPO handles EU trade marks and designs. The EPO handles European patents only. The two are frequently confused by US clients.

Should I file before signing a European franchise or licence deal?

Yes. The mark is the asset being licensed. Filing first protects your control, your royalty stream and your ability to terminate.

Can I use my US goods and services wording at the EUIPO?

Often not verbatim. The EUIPO reads specifications literally and prefers Harmonised Database terms; US-style wording usually needs remapping.

EUIPO · For US Brands

European Trademark Attorney for US Brands.

EU trade mark filing, opposition work and licensing support — handled directly, in English, by a European patent and trade mark attorney with his own practice.

Book a Consultation→Request a Filing Quote→

Built for US clients

A European counterpart to your US trademark counsel.

Most US brands don't need a second law firm — they need one European representative who answers quickly, explains the EUIPO's logic in US terms, and doesn't route everything through a partner in another time zone.

—Direct partner-level work — no associate hand-offs
—Replies within one business day, US hours accommodated
—Flat, quoted fees for filings and oppositions
—Works alongside your existing US trademark counsel

When to hire

Typical moments US brands reach out.

01You are launching a US brand in Europe and need clearance before marketing commits.
02Your EUIPO application has been opposed — or you need to oppose someone else's.
03A distributor, franchisee or licensee will use your mark in the EU.
04Your US identification of goods doesn't map cleanly onto the EUIPO Harmonised Database.
05You need to police look-alike marks and counterfeits across the single market.

Filing

EU trade mark filing.

One EUTM application covers all 27 member states. The work that decides whether it survives happens before filing — clearance and class strategy.

Clearance & availability

EUIPO and national register searches, plus a realistic read on which prior rights would actually be enforced.

EUTM application

One filing covering all 27 member states, prosecuted directly before the EUIPO in English.

Class strategy (NICE)

Specifications built from the Harmonised Database so your US wording survives EUIPO scrutiny.

National & Madrid routes

Where an EUTM is blocked in one country, national filings or a Madrid designation keep the rest intact.

Oppositions

Oppositions, cancellations and coexistence.

Publication opens a three-month window in both directions. Most disputes are settled by negotiation once the legal position is clear.

Opposition defence

Responding within the three-month window: cooling-off negotiation, limitation of goods, or defence on the merits.

Filing oppositions

Stopping conflicting applications before they register and become a permanent obstacle to your brand.

Cancellation & non-use

Revocation for non-use and invalidity actions to clear blocking registrations off the register.

Coexistence agreements

Negotiated territorial and sector splits that let both brands trade without recurring conflict.

Licensing

Licensing, franchising and distribution support.

When your brand expands through partners, the trade mark is the asset under contract. Structure it before signing, not after a dispute.

Franchise & master licence support

Trademark structure behind master franchise deals: what is licensed, in which territory, under whose control.

Distribution agreements

Preventing distributors from registering your mark locally and keeping control of goodwill on termination.

Licence recordals

Recording licences and assignments at the EUIPO so your chain of title stands up in enforcement.

Quality-control provisions

Use and control clauses that protect the mark's validity and your royalty stream.

Guides for US filers.

Filing patents too? See the European patent attorney service page.

FAQ

Common questions from US brands.

What is a European trademark attorney?: A representative entitled to act before the EUIPO in trade mark matters across the EU. Unlike a US trademark attorney, the role covers EU-wide filing, opposition and cancellation practice rather than USPTO practice.
Does my US trademark registration protect me in Europe?: No. Trade mark rights are territorial. A USPTO registration gives you no rights in the EU — you need an EU trade mark (EUTM), national filings, or a Madrid designation.
How long does an EU trademark application take?: Roughly 4-6 months if unopposed. Publication opens a three-month opposition window; an opposition typically adds a year or more.
EUIPO or EPO — which office handles trademarks?: The EUIPO handles EU trade marks and designs. The EPO handles European patents only. The two are frequently confused by US clients.
Should I file before signing a European franchise or licence deal?: Yes. The mark is the asset being licensed. Filing first protects your control, your royalty stream and your ability to terminate.
Can I use my US goods and services wording at the EUIPO?: Often not verbatim. The EUIPO reads specifications literally and prefers Harmonised Database terms; US-style wording usually needs remapping.

Ready to protect your brand in Europe?

Send your mark, your target markets and what you’re planning in Europe. You’ll get a straight answer and a fee estimate, usually the next business day.

Book a Consultation→