The Cost of Trademark Registration: What You Need to Know

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How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark?

Many people wonder about the cost of trademark registration, especially with the surge of new brands emerging online.

Before exploring the costs and procedures, it’s essential to understand what a trademark is and its significance.
As noted by Brocardi, a trademark signifies the distinctive sign of a product from a business.
In Italy, it is governed by Legislative Decree No.
30 of February 10, 2005 (the Industrial Property Code).
The trademark must not violate the law, public order, or morality, and must be specific and truthful.

Choosing the right trademark is crucial for any business, particularly in today’s brand-centric society, especially regarding social media and marketing strategies.

How to Register a Trademark and Costs Involved

In Italy, to register a trademark, one must submit an application to the Italian Patents and Trademarks Office (UIBM), available through local Chambers of Commerce.

According to the Ministry of Enterprises, anyone can apply: individuals, organizations, and even minors domiciled in EU countries.
Applications can be submitted electronically, in person, or by mail.
Multiple parties can hold a trademark, and representation is allowed via certified Industrial Property Consultants or lawyers.

At application time, it is necessary to provide a specimen of the trademark and a description of the products or services it will designate.

Trademark Registration Costs

Costs vary between individual and collective trademarks.

Individual Trademark: €101 for one class, €34 for each additional class; €48 for electronic submission, €16 for paper applications; additional fees may apply for certified copies.

Collective Trademark: €337 for one or more classes, same additional costs apply as above.

Registered trademarks last for ten years, renewable indefinitely.

Registering a Community Trademark

The EU trademark is valid across all EU member states and is also subject to distinct requirements.
To register, applicants must use the EUIPO website.

The costs are €850 for one class, with additional charges for subsequent classes.
This trademark also has a ten-year validity, renewable indefinitely.

Registering an International Trademark

It’s important to note that there is no worldwide trademark.
However, under the Madrid System, international expansion is possible via the WIPO.

Costs depend on the countries involved and include a fixed administrative fee and specific fees per country.

Logo vs Trademark

While we have discussed trademark registration, it’s vital to distinguish between a logo and a trademark.
A logo is the graphical representation of a brand, protected by copyright, which may comprise various graphic elements.
In contrast, a trademark is a registered sign with legal protection against imitation.

The primary difference lies in the broader protection afforded to trademarks, although logos can also be registered as trademarks.

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