Registration and opposition procedures

If your trademark meets all the requirements, your application will be published. Anyone can then familiarise themselves with your application and therefore with your trademark. In many countries it is possible to file an objection during the registration procedure already, which is known as an opposition procedure. Holders of older rights may object to the registration of a new trademark. Subsequent court proceedings can thereby be avoided. The trademark authorities will ultimately decide whether the objection is valid. If no objections are filed, your trademark will be recorded in the register. Your trademark registration will be valid indefinitely. However, you will need to renew your trademark in most countries after ten years. The trademark must be used if you wish to preserve your trademark rights.