Why plan before you file
A trademark registration works only in the country or region where it was granted. So the first questions are about your business, not about forms: where you sell, where you make your goods, where copies are likely to appear, and what you want to protect now and what can wait.
A wrong first step is costly to undo. A name filed in the wrong place, a list of goods that is too narrow, or a missed time limit for claiming the date of your first filing abroad can cost more than the planning would have.
What we go through with you
- Which countries matter now, and which can wait
- The route for each: a national filing, a regional one such as the EU trade mark, or the Madrid System. See regional systems
- Word, logo or both, and which classes to cover. The class finder is a good start
- Whether a search should come first
- Timing, including the six-month priority period that lets later filings abroad count from the date of the first one
- What comes after registration: renewal dates, declarations of use and watching for similar marks
What you receive
A short written plan: the countries in the order we suggest, the route and the classes for each, the timing, the next steps, and a quote that shows our fee and the official fees separately.
How it works
- Tell us about your businessThe name or logo, what you sell or do under it, where you sell and make, and where you want to grow.
- We prepareWe read what you sent, check what we can, and come back with questions.
- The sessionWe go through the options together, by call or in writing, as you prefer.
- Your written planYou receive the plan and a quote, with our fee and the official fees shown separately.
- You decideNothing is filed or charged without your approval.
The plan is guidance on how to file. It is not a legal opinion that your mark will be registered. Each office decides for itself, and nobody can promise a result.
Common questions
Is this the same as a trademark search?
No. A search looks for earlier marks that could stand in your way. The strategy session decides where to file, by which route and in what order. Many clients do both, usually the search first, and we tell you which one you need.
Do I need a session before I register?
No. If you want one mark in one country, you can go straight to registration. A session helps most when you are thinking about more than one country, or when you are not sure whether a national, regional or Madrid filing suits you.
What do I get at the end?
A written plan: the countries in the order we suggest, the route for each, the classes to cover, the timing, and a quote that shows our fee and the official fee separately.
How is the session held?
We agree the format with you: a call, or a written exchange, whichever suits you better.
Will you tell me my trademark will be registered?
No. Each office decides for itself, and nobody can promise a result. The plan lowers the risk and puts the steps in a sensible order, but it is not a legal opinion on whether a mark will be registered.
What does it cost?
We send you a price in writing before the session. Nothing is done or charged without your approval. See Prices.
