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Changes to official fees for EU trade marks

As noted in a previous news item, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (“OHIM”) is changing its name to European Union Intellectual Property Office (“EUIPO”).

More significantly, the official fee structure will also be changing at the same time (23rd March 2016).  At the moment, it is possible to file a Community trade mark application designating up to three classes of goods and/or services for no additional official fee over that for applying in a single class.

As from 23rd March however, the official fees will be changing.  There will be a slightly cheaper (€850) official filing fee for a single class of goods or services, but for two classes the official fee will be €900, and for three classes €1,050, with an extra €150 for each additional class over three.

Accordingly, if you are thinking of seeking a European Community trade mark registration in the near future, there may be modest cost savings to be made by filing before 23rd March, or deferring until after that date, as the case may be, depending on the number of classes of goods/services you wish to cover in the application.

If you would like more information, please speak to your usual contact at Nash Matthews.