TrademarksHubThe worldwide trademark network

Guide for brand owners · Disputes

Trademark opposition: oppose a copycat or defend your mark

Every application is published so earlier owners can object. Opposing a copycat at this stage is far cheaper than cancelling a registration later — and if someone opposes you, the clock starts immediately.

Oppose or defend

Deadlines and fees

Compare opposition periods in every country. Two common examples:

OfficeOpposition windowOfficial fee
United States (TTAB)30 days after publication in the Official Gazette; extensions possible up to 180 days from publication$600 per class (online)
European Union (EUIPO)3 months after publicationEUR 320

Other countries have their own windows — see each country guide.

If you oppose

  • Watch publications — a trademark watch service alerts you to similar filings.
  • Base the opposition on earlier rights: your registrations, and in many countries unregistered use or company names.
  • In the EU there is a cooling-off period (two months, extendable) to settle before costs rise.
  • Many oppositions end in a co-existence agreement or a narrowed specification.

If you are opposed

  • Note the deadline to answer — missing it usually means losing.
  • Check the opponent’s rights: are they used, and for which goods?
  • Options: narrow your goods, negotiate, request proof of use of older marks, or defend in full.

A typical request on TrademarksHub

Example

“A Saudi food brand sees a near-identical name published in the EU for the same products and wants to oppose before the three-month window closes.”

Illustrative example. On TrademarksHub requests are shown as “Private brand owner”, and only firms that cover the chosen countries can reply.

Questions

How long do I have to oppose a US trademark?
30 days after publication in the Official Gazette, which can be extended up to 180 days from publication.
How much does an EU opposition cost?
The EUIPO fee is EUR 320; attorney fees are on top.
What if I miss the opposition period?
You can usually still file a cancellation action later, but it is slower and costs more.