As in many other countries the European Trademark Office, which is officially called European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), as well as the German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) do not search for a conflicting trademark in the EU (European Union) or Europe including Germany before a trademark registration. However, to avoid a conflict with earlier trademarks and respective legal problems and costs at least a basic trademark search in the EU (European Union, Europe) or Germany is recommendable before a trademark application.

The EU trademark register / the European trademark database of the EUIPO as well as the German trademark register of the GPTO are available online for a research via the websites of the EUIPO and the GPTO.

Despite a general overview of existing trademarks it is normally recommendable to let a trademark professional search the register. Apart from a specific and potentially more precise search e.g. a European trademark attorney or a trademark lawyer is able to also take the local jurisdiction into account. This may enable him to make more precise statements concerning potential trademark violations and risks of an opposition.

Our German Law Firm – specialized in Intellectual Property (IP) law – with a German Certified Intellectual Property Lawyer and a European Patent, Trademark and Design Attorney offers various services in regard to German and EU trademark registrations (formerly: community trademarks in the European Union). This ranges from a trademark search to the application of trademarks and the representation before trademark offices and courts in cases of (alleged) trademark violations.

Just contact us should you need a respective offer or if further information is needed.