National filings · 27 member states

National trade marks in one or more EU countries

If you only need protection in a few countries, or if an EU trade mark would be too risky, national trade marks are the alternative. We file in Germany directly and coordinate filings in the other member states.

Request national filingInternational registration

When a national mark is the better choice

  • You only do business in one or two countries.
  • An earlier right in one member state would block an EU trade mark.
  • The name is descriptive in one EU language but distinctive in others.
  • You need a basic mark for an international registration.

Differences between the national procedures

All member states have harmonised their trade mark laws under Directive (EU) 2015/2436. Procedures still differ: a few offices examine earlier rights of their own motion and may refuse a mark on that basis, while most, like the German office (DPMA) and the EUIPO, only act on an opposition. Opposition periods are mostly two or three months; in some countries they start only after registration, and fees and languages differ as well. Our German country pages describe each procedure in detail (overview in German).

Practical example 1

Only Germany and Austria

A craft brewery sells only in Germany and Austria. Two national marks cost less than an EU trade mark and avoid the risk of an opposition from another member state.

Practical example 2

Language problem

A word means “fresh” in Finnish. An EU trade mark would be refused for the whole EU. National marks in Germany, France and the Benelux are registered without problems.

Request a national filing – from EUR 345* per country

Select “National trade mark” and list the member states. With several countries we will check whether an EU trade mark or an international registration is cheaper, and tell you.

    Which service are you interested in?*

    Trade mark (word or name of the logo)*

    Logo (if any)

    Countries (for international or national filings)

    Goods and services

    Further information

    Prices are attorney fees plus VAT and plus official fees. You will receive a quote including all fees before we file.

    Your contact details

    First and last name*

    Company

    Email*

    Phone

    Our fixed-price services

    *Attorney fees, net, plus VAT and official fees. All services

    Speak to a trade mark attorney

    horak. Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB, Georgstraße 48, 30159 Hannover, Germany · Phone +49 511 357 356 0 · Filing request · Proceedings request

    Last reviewed: November 2026. Source: Directive (EU) 2015/2436; national office fee schedules. This page provides general information and does not replace advice on your individual case.