European Union Trademark Registration
The legal basis of European Union trademark is Decree (EC) No. 40/94 of the Council. The trademark which has been filed in a state party to the Paris Convention, a member of the TRIPS Agreement, a state for which the Commission has confirmed reciprocity or a member of the European Union, could be claimed priority for the same trade mark in respect of the same goods or services in the EU.
 
Remark: Following a referendum held on 23th June 2016, The UK received vote results in favour of leaving the EU, the UK government intends to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union by the end of March 2017. This, within the treaty terms, would put the UK on a course to leave the EU by March 2019.
 
Principle of Protection
European Union adopts first-to-file basis for trademark protection.
 
Validity Period and Renewal
A trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of application and could be renewed for 10 years before the expiry date.
 
Required Information and Documents
(1)    A duly completed trademark search/registration order form (to be provided by Kaizen).
(2)    A copy of identity proof of the applicant (passport for individuals and Business Registration Certificate/Certificate of Incorporation for companies).
(3)    A soft copy of the trademark in JPEG format.
(4)    A priority document when priority is claimed (extra charge will be charged for filing priority claim documents).
 
Duration of the Official Receipt
It usually takes about 1 week to receive the official filing receipt.
 
Duration of Application
Currently it takes about 6 - 8 months to get a trademark registered in European Union in a smooth case.