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Trademarks
I handle trademark registration with the Czech Industrial Property Office and the EUIPO – from clearance search and choice of classes to registration. I represent clients in opposition proceedings and in enforcing trademark rights against confusingly similar signs.
How I can help
Registration
- Clearance search – is the mark available and registrable?
- Choosing classes of goods and services
- Czech trademark application with the Industrial Property Office
- EU trademark application with the EUIPO
- International application
- Renewals and trademark portfolio management
Enforcement and disputes
- Oppositions against competitors’ applications
- Defence against oppositions – before the Czech Office and the EUIPO
- Watching new applications for similar marks
- Cease-and-desist letters
- Trademark licence and assignment agreements
Typical situations
You are launching a new brand.
Before you invest in it, I run a search to check it is available and propose an application in the classes that match what you actually sell.
A competitor has applied for a similar mark.
You can file an opposition – but only within 3 months of the application’s publication. The deadline cannot be extended.
You have received an opposition from the EUIPO.
I assess its strength and prepare a defence, or negotiate a coexistence agreement for both marks.
Your e-shop sells to Germany and Austria.
A Czech trademark only protects you in the Czech Republic. An EU trademark covers all member states with one application.
How I register a trademark
From search to registration- 1 Search I check that no earlier rights stand in the way.
- 2 Application I propose the classes and list of goods and services and file the application.
- 3 Proceedings I monitor progress and respond to office requests and any oppositions.
- 4 Registration After registration I remind you of renewal, and we can set up a watch for similar applications.
Fees
The fee depends on the brief. You always know it upfront.
Fees do not include official fees of the Czech Industrial Property Office or the EUIPO. I tell you the amount upfront based on the number of classes.
FAQ
Czech or EU trademark?
A Czech mark protects only in the Czech Republic. An EU trademark protects in all member states with one application – worth it if you sell, or plan to sell, abroad.
How long does a trademark last?
Registration of a Czech trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed repeatedly, each time for another 10 years (Section 29 of the Czech Trademarks Act).
By when can I oppose someone else’s application?
At the Czech Industrial Property Office within 3 months of the application’s publication. The deadline cannot be extended and missing it cannot be excused (Section 25 of the Czech Trademarks Act).
Do I need a clearance search?
I recommend it. The office does not itself examine whether your mark conflicts with earlier marks – it deals with that only on oppositions by their owners. A search saves you investing in a brand you would have to change.
I have used my brand for years but never registered it.
An unregistered sign used in trade does enjoy some protection, but it is weaker and harder to prove. Registration gives you a clear exclusive right and the ® symbol.
Want to protect your brand?
Send me the name or logo and describe what you sell under it. The first 15 minutes of a consultation are free; I usually reply to e-mails within 48 hours on working days.