Registering your trademark sign in Germany is the smartest way to protect your brand quickly and qualify for Amazon Brand Registry. Germany offers one of the fastest and most efficient trademark systems in Europe. Our experienced legal team ensures a smooth filing process, giving your brand the legal protection it needs to grow across European markets.
We work with a designated Germany trademark registration attorney, allowing us to handle all your legal needs in Germany — from trademark sign filing to opposition proceedings and litigation. Additionally, we can assist with a range of other legal matters within Germany.
Covers filing your application and reporting the progress all the way to registration. 2 classes included. This is our entry-level package.
Covers full trademark registration, including reporting and responding to non-substantive examiner’s objections and free re-filing.
Covers all aspects of trademark registration, including responding to all examiner’s objections and free re-filing. More free extras.
Our ‘ALL IN’ package includes government fees, handling of examiner’s objections (office actions), opposition proceedings, free re-filing if your trademark is refused, and several additional services.
If an office action is issued, we will promptly notify you and provide an estimate for our response based on our hourly rate. Whenever possible, we aim to offer a flat fee for handling the objection.
If your budget is limited and our free trademark search reveals no obstacles to registration, our entry-level package is the perfect choice for you.
This package includes everything offered in our ‘SAIL THROUGH’ package, plus reporting and handling of non-substantive (procedural) office actions, as well as free re-filing if your trademark is refused by the German Patent and Trademark Office.
Free re-filing is offered under the conditions of our ‘SAIL THROUGH’ package — you’ll be responsible for the government fees, while we will waive our professional service fees. For full details, please refer to our FAQ section.
The standard trademark application fee covers up to three classes. For each additional class beyond this, our professional fee is $100 per class.
Our ‘BELLS AND WHISTLES’ package includes government fees, responses to substantive office actions, handling of opposition proceedings, and additional free extras designed to give you comprehensive trademark protection in Germany.
Our most popular package — it provides peace of mind and clear, predictable pricing throughout the trademark registration process.
We handle all non-substantive office actions at no extra cost. Plus, if your trademark is refused, you’ll have the option to file a new application and we’ll waive our professional fees for the re-filing.
If your trademark is refused,
We’ll file another – fee excused.
This package includes everything offered in our ‘ALL IN’ package, plus reporting and responding to all examiner’s objections. It also includes free re-filing if your trademark is refused. Re-filing will be handled under our ‘ALL IN’ package terms — you’ll be responsible for the government fees, while we’ll waive our professional service fees. For full details, please refer to our FAQ section.
The maximum number of classes: unlimited.
This package is recommended if our trademark search has identified potential obstacles to your registration or if you plan to file for multiple classes.
We handle all office actions at no additional cost. Furthermore, if your trademark is refused, you have the option to file a different trademark with our professional fees waived. This package offers complete peace of mind and budget predictability. Learn more about why this package is the best choice here.
If your trademark is refused,
We’ll file another – fee excused.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal authorization that allows a representative—usually a trademark attorney or agent—to act on your behalf in all matters related to your trademark application. This includes filing documents, responding to office actions, and communicating with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).
You generally need to sign the POA early in the trademark registration process, often at the time of filing your application or shortly afterward. This ensures that your appointed representative has the legal authority to manage your trademark case efficiently and comply with official procedures on your behalf.
If the mark is generic, descriptive, or lacks uniqueness, it is likely to be refused by the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).
If your trademark is similar or identical to an existing registered trademark in Germany, your application may face refusal or opposition.
Registering a trademark is most beneficial if you plan to operate, sell, or protect your brand in the German market.
Filing without a thorough trademark search could result in wasted fees if your application is likely to be refused.
Even if not registered in your class, marks that are well-known or have protection in Germany could block your registration.
A registered trademark grants you exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan in Germany, protecting you from unauthorized use or imitation by competitors.
A trademark registration helps build your brand’s reputation and consumer trust in the German market, a key factor for business growth and customer loyalty.
For sellers on Amazon, a German trademark registration is often required to enroll in Amazon’s Brand Registry, which provides enhanced brand protection and marketing tools.
A German trademark provides protection throughout the entire country, ensuring your brand is safeguarded across all regions of Germany.
A German trademark registration can serve as a basis for extending protection via the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or through international treaties like the Madrid Protocol.
Registration enables you to take legal action against counterfeiters, infringers, and unauthorized users in Germany, helping to safeguard your business interests.
Conduct a Trademark Search: Before filing, perform a comprehensive search to ensure your desired trademark is not already registered or too similar to existing marks in Germany. This helps avoid potential conflicts and refusals.
Prepare Your Application: Decide on the trademark type (word, logo, slogan, etc.) and specify the classes of goods or services you want to protect under the Nice Classification system.
File the Application: Submit your trademark application to the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). You can file online or by mail. Your application will be assigned a serial number upon filing.
Examination by DPMA: The DPMA reviews your application on absolute grounds to ensure it meets all legal criteria, such as distinctiveness. If any objections arise, you will be notified.
Publication for Opposition: Once preliminarily approved, your trademark is published in the official trademark journal for a three-month opposition period. Third parties can file oppositions if they believe your trademark infringes on their rights.
Registration: If no oppositions are filed or if they are resolved in your favor, your trademark is officially registered, and you receive a registration number. Protection lasts for 10 years from the filing date.
Maintain and Renew: To keep your trademark active, renew it every 10 years by paying the renewal fees.
In Germany, you are not required to use your trademark before registration. The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) allows you to register a trademark even if it has not yet been used in commerce.
However, after registration, it’s important to use your trademark within five years. If the trademark is not actively used in Germany for five consecutive years, it may be vulnerable to cancellation for non-use by third parties.
So, while prior use is not mandatory, timely use after registration helps maintain your trademark rights.
Yes, foreign individuals and companies can apply for trademark registration in Germany. There is no requirement to be a German resident or have a business presence in Germany to file a trademark application with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).
However, if you do not have a local address in Germany or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need to appoint a representative or trademark attorney based in Germany to handle the application process and communicate with the DPMA on your behalf.
This makes it accessible for international businesses to protect their brands in the German market.
Yes, Germany allows multi-class trademark applications, meaning you can register your trademark in more than one class of goods or services within a single application. The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) charges a government fee that covers up to three classes. For any additional classes beyond three, there is an extra fee per class.
Filing a multi-class application is a convenient way to protect your brand across different product or service categories while saving on overall filing costs.
Initial Consultation & Trademark Search: We start with a free trademark search to identify any potential conflicts or obstacles to registration.
Application Preparation: Once the search is clear or you approve proceeding despite minor issues, we prepare your trademark application carefully, selecting the appropriate classes.
Filing the Application: We file your trademark application with the relevant trademark office (e.g., the German Patent and Trademark Office) and provide you with the application’s serial number.
Ongoing Updates: Throughout the registration process, we keep you informed of any developments, such as office actions, oppositions, or requests for additional information.
Handling Objections & Oppositions: If any office actions or oppositions arise, we respond on your behalf, either as part of your package or with your prior approval for additional services.
Registration & Certificate Delivery: Once your trademark is successfully registered, we send you the official registration certificate and provide guidance on maintaining your trademark rights.
Additional Support: We offer ongoing consultations and assistance, including renewal reminders and help with legal matters related to your trademark.
You need rapid protection: If you plan to launch a product or service quickly and want trademark rights established as soon as possible.
You want to enter the market before competitors: Accelerated processing helps you secure your trademark registration ahead of potential rivals.
You require trademark registration for Amazon Brand Registry: Since Amazon often requires a registered trademark for brand protection, expedited examination can speed up your eligibility.
You want faster clarity on potential objections: Quicker examination means you’ll know sooner if there are any issues or oppositions, allowing you to address them promptly.
Your business operates in fast-moving industries: Such as tech, fashion, or consumer goods, where timing can impact market success.
In Germany, only the owner of a registered trademark is legally permitted to use the ® symbol. This symbol indicates that the trademark has been officially registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) and is protected under trademark law.
Using the ® symbol without a valid registration can lead to legal consequences, including fines and penalties, as it may be considered misleading or deceptive.
If your trademark application is still pending or your mark is unregistered, you should use the ™ symbol instead, which denotes a claim of trademark rights but does not require registration.
No, it is not necessary to use your trademark in Germany before filing a trademark application. The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) allows you to apply for trademark registration even if you have not yet used the mark in commerce.
However, after registration, you should use your trademark within five years in Germany. Failure to use the trademark during this period may make it vulnerable to cancellation for non-use.
A trademark registered in Germany is valid for 10 years from the filing date. You can renew your trademark registration indefinitely by paying renewal fees every 10 years, ensuring continuous protection of your brand in Germany.
Yes, it is possible to register surnames or personal names as trademarks in Germany. However, the trademark must meet certain criteria to be registrable. The name should be distinctive and not merely descriptive or misleading. If the surname or personal name is common or lacks distinctiveness, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) may refuse registration.
Additionally, the use of personal names as trademarks must not infringe on the rights or privacy of third parties. If a name is well-known or associated with another party, this could lead to opposition or refusal.
Consulting with a trademark attorney can help assess whether a surname or personal name qualifies for registration in Germany.
Yes, many trademark service providers, including Trademark Angel, offer a free preliminary trademark search for applications in Germany. This search helps identify any potential conflicts or similar existing trademarks before you file your application. Conducting a free trademark search is a crucial first step to reduce the risk of refusal or opposition and ensure a smoother registration process.
In Germany, trademarks are classified using the Nice Classification system, an international standard used by more than 150 countries. This system divides goods and services into 45 different classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services.
When you file a trademark application in Germany, you must specify the classes of goods and/or services you want your trademark to cover. This classification determines the scope of protection your trademark will have.
For example:
Class 25 covers clothing, footwear, and headgear.
Class 35 covers advertising and business management services.
The government filing fee in Germany includes up to three classes. If you need to register your trademark in more than three classes, additional fees apply for each extra class.
Accurately selecting the right classes is essential to ensure your trademark properly protects your products or services in the German market.
The fastest way to obtain a trademark for Amazon Brand Registry purposes in Germany is to file a trademark application with accelerated examination through the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).
By opting for accelerated processing (available for an extra government fee of €200 / $250), your trademark application can be examined and registered in as little as 1–2 months — much faster than the standard 2–3 month timeframe.
Once your trademark is officially registered and you have your registration number, you can immediately apply for Amazon Brand Registry, which provides added protection and marketing tools for your brand on the platform.
Exclusive Legal Rights: You gain the exclusive right to use your trademark for your listed goods and services across Germany, with legal grounds to stop unauthorized use.
Strong Brand Protection: A registered trademark helps protect your brand identity from imitators and infringers in one of Europe’s largest and most competitive markets.
Amazon Brand Registry Access: A registered trademark in Germany makes you eligible for Amazon Brand Registry, offering enhanced listing control and counterfeit protection.
Cost-Effective Coverage: Germany allows multi-class applications, covering up to three classes under a single government fee, making it economical for brand owners.
Basis for EU and Global Protection: A German trademark can be used as a base for EU-wide protection through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or for international applications via the Madrid Protocol.
Nationwide and Lasting Rights: Trademark rights in Germany last for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.
A registered trademark is typically valid for 10 years from the date of filing. After this initial period, the trademark can be renewed indefinitely in consecutive 10-year terms, as long as the renewal fees are paid on time.
In Germany — as in many countries — it’s important to also actively use your trademark. If a registered mark is not used for five consecutive years, it may become vulnerable to cancellation for non-use, even if it’s still within its 10-year validity period.
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Trademark Focus is a trusted trademark registration firm with more than 10 years of expertise. We specialize in handling trademark applications and protection services across Canada, the US, and internationally.
No.518, Jianshe Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province
