Why should I apply for a CTM mark? Here are the Top Reasons.
European Union is now biggest consumer market in the world;
The population of the European Union market is more than 450 million people, so it is now one of the largest single markets in the world, bigger than the United States, and probably the largest market of sophisticated buyers of retail goods and services in the world. The consumers in this market will be heavily influenced by brands, and U.S. companies are fortunate to have available to them the Community Trade Mark to provide a single registration that can protect their brands across all 25 countries.
10 years exclusivity;
The European Union has established a Community Trade Mark (CTM) Registration whereby one can now protect an identity in all 25 member countries of the EU by filing a single CTM Trade Mark Application. This can be a very cost effective option as it is less expensive than a plurality of single country Applications. It provides protection for an initial 10 year period, requires a single renewal fee, and all assignments, changes of name, licenses etc. can be done centrally and have effect throughout the EU.
Low threshold for proving Trademark Usage.
While you consider expanding into Europe by way of sales, franchising, agreements or whatever, you can be confident that your plans will not be frustrated by another party registering the same, or confusingly similar, imagery to your own. In order to maintain this exclusivity for 10 years it is necessary, if challenged, to prove use in only ONE of the 25 countries comprising the EU.
Low Cost.
The cost of a CTM is modest considering it's wide scope; protection in 25 countries, (with a population of 450 million), in 3 classes of goods, for 10 years! The fee, on application is approximately
€900.00 and, about 18 months later, on Registration, the same again. These include official and professional fees. If one is interested in trademark protection in at least four EU member states, a typical CTM filing will be less expensive than a typical Madrid Protocol filing. Additionally, for a lower aggregate fee, one will obtain protection in 25 countries. Further, the basic CTM application fee will cover up to three classes of goods and services, while many Madrid Protocol countries charge strictly on a per class basis.
High Asset Value.
Imagine what this can do for the asset value of your company. A portfolio of Trade Marks that are exclusively yours throughout Europe. An opportunity for you to consider a roll-out policy into the huge, 450 million population market, in the knowledge that your branding is secure there.
