Written by Tomas Orsula
Senior Trademark Attorney
During the examination period, the IPO checks the formal requirements (such as the name and address of the applicant, list of goods and services, etc.) and evaluates the trademark's distinctiveness and similarity to other trademarks in the same register. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 24 months, depending on the country.
It's important to note that this is not the final stage of the process. After examination, the trademark is published for oppositions where it can be challenged by owners of (potentially) similar trademarks. This usually prolongs the registration by another 1-3 months.
However, if the registration goes through, the trademark validity is backdated to the initial filing date, giving owners the right to challenge any mark that has been filed after theirs.
To learn more about the trademark registration process, read this article.
Do I need to have a registered trademark before I start selling my goods / services?
What is the best way to protect all of the different variations of our logo?
Can my representative apply for a trademark grant on my behalf?
What extra costs can occur during the trademark registration process?
What is the exact cost involved in registering a trademark worldwide?
What documentation is needed in order to change an ownership of a trademark?
When can I start using the trademark symbol on our products?
If the domain for a particular word is already taken, can I still register it as a trademark?
Are there any follow-up fees I should know about when registering a trademark?
What is the best way to register a trademark in multiple countries?
Our team of experienced trademark attorneys is here to help you! Simply send us an email outlining your request and we'll be happy to assist you.
