Registering a trademark with the DPMA

In short: A trademark protects a name or logo for specific goods and services. Registration with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) costs from 290 euros and protects for ten years.

In more detail: Protection arises through registration (or through use with market recognition). Before filing you should research whether similar marks exist, otherwise oppositions threaten. For minors the application needs the legal representatives’ signature if the authorisation does not apply.

In detail

• Fee: online filing for up to three classes from 290 euros.
• Research: check the DPMA database (DPMAregister) and EUIPO.
• Classes: goods and services are divided into classes.
• Duration: examination takes some months, renewal every ten years.
• Alternative: without a trademark the company name also protects, see Company name and name rights.

See also: Company name and name rights, Business ideas for young founders