1. Decide where you need protection
Register where you sell, where you manufacture, and where copies are likely to come from. Many brands start with their home market and their biggest marketplace, then add countries as they grow. The country guides show each office, its fees and steps.
2. Check the name is free
Search each target country for identical and similar marks before filing. Our list of official search databases links straight to each office’s register. See also clearance search.
3. Choose classes and wording
Almost every country uses the 45 Nice classes, and most charge per class. Describe your goods and services precisely — you can narrow the list later, never widen it.
4. Choose the route
| Route | Best for |
|---|---|
| National application at each office | One or a few countries, or countries outside the Madrid System |
| Regional office — EUIPO (27 EU countries), Benelux, OAPI, ARIPO | A whole region with one filing |
| International application via the Madrid System | Many countries managed as one registration |
Many countries require foreign owners to file through a local agent — see which countries need one.
5. Examination and objections
The office checks formalities and whether the mark can be registered. Some offices also check earlier marks; others leave that to oppositions. If there is a problem you get an office action or provisional refusal with a deadline to answer — see responding to an office action.
6. Publication and opposition
Accepted marks are published so others can object. The window ranges from about one month to three months, and a few countries hold oppositions after registration. Compare opposition periods by country.
7. Registration and renewal
Most registrations last 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely, often with a grace period of about six months. Many countries cancel marks that are not used for 3 to 5 years. See renewal by country.
A typical request on TrademarksHub
“A Turkish cosmetics brand wants to register its name in Türkiye, the EU, Saudi Arabia and the UAE and asks which route is cheapest and which countries need a local agent.”
Illustrative example. On TrademarksHub requests are shown as “Private brand owner”, and only firms that cover the chosen countries can reply.