Monitoring your trademark

Act swiftly in case of infringements

Once your trademark is registered, our trademark attorneys can monitor it for you. We monitor all new trademark filings for similar trademarks covering comparable goods or services. This allows us to advise you in time to oppose a competitor’s filing.

By filing an opposition, we then try to prevent the trademark from being registered. Depending on the country in question, opposition periods are limited to two or three months. This means it is crucial to react quickly to infringing filings.

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Opposition: action in case of trademark infringement

In case of a possible infringement, our trademark attorneys first assess whether the situation can be resolved amicably by instituting opposition proceedings.
If legal action becomes necessary, we involve an IP lawyer to start formal proceedings. We’re also here to help you if you are accused of infringing on another party’s trademark rights.

More about legal assistance.

Lifespan of a trademark

Trademark protection does not run indefinitely and expires after 10 years. However, it can be renewed indefinitely upon payment of a renewal fee.

Our trademark experts monitor the lifespan of your trademark, notify you in good time when a right is about to lapse and handle the renewal process for you.

More about trademark renewal

Increase the value of your trademarks

Discuss your trademark portfolio with our trademark attorneys.

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Clear answers to every IP question

Why is it important to register a trademark?

Registering a trademark protects the investments you make in branding and the growing value of your trademark. A trademark registration ensures that you can continue using the trademark. It also prevents competitors from registering a similar name and blocking you from promoting your product or service in that territory (also known as trademark squatting). Finally, trademark registration helps prevent third parties from misusing your trademark or infringing on your trademark rights.

What is a trademark filing?

Een merkdepot is de officiële aanvraag tot inschrijving van een trademark in een merkenregister, waarmee een juridisch monopolie wordt verkregen. Door deze registratie bij merkenregisters zoals het BOIP (Benelux) of EUIPO (Europa), wordt het merk beschermd tegen inbreuk door derden. Het depot legt dus de basis voor juridische merkbescherming, wat cruciaal is voor het intellectuele eigendom.

How does the registration of a Benelux or EU trademark work?

Before filing a trademark, we conduct an availability search, check the formalities and classification, and verify that the trademark meets all formal requirements. Only then can we apply for the trademark registration.

for the Benelux (BBIE):

  • Publication of the trademark application in the Register – approximately 4 weeks
  • Opposition period: for a period of two months following publication, a prior trademark owner may oppose the trademark registration.
  • If no opposition is filed (or if it is rejected), the trademark is registered and the registration is published. The period between the application of the trademark registration and the final registration usually takes around three months.

For the European Union (EUIPO):

  • Publication of the trademark application in the Register – approximately 6 weeks
  • Opposition period: for a period of three months following publication, a prior trademark owner may oppose the trademark registration.
  • If no opposition is filed (or if it is rejected), the trademark is registered and the registration is published. The period between the application of the trademark registration and the final registration usually takes around seven months.
How long is a Benelux or EU trademark valid?

A trademark is valid for a period of 10 years and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years. So, subject to renewal, a trademark can remain your property.

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