Estonia’s trademark success rate: 5-year overview
In Estonia, trademark applications are managed by the Estonian Patent Office (EPA), which operates under the Ministry of Justice.
From 2019 to 2023, Estonia averaged a success rate of 83.15% for trademark applications. The numbers show a clear upward trend, with approval rates climbing consistently year over year — peaking at 86.34% in 2023.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 988 | 1,235 | 80.00% |
2020 | 1,040 | 1,266 | 82.15% |
2021 | 821 | 1,446 | 83.13% |
2022 | 1,202 | 965 | 85.08% |
2023 | 904 | 1,047 | 86.34% |
Total (average) | 4,955 | 5,959 | 83.15% |
Comparison to major IP Offices in the region
With an average success rate of 83.15%, Estonia stands out as a favorable jurisdiction for trademark protection. It performs significantly above the global average, falling slightly short of larger IP markets such as the EUIPO (90.80%) but significantly higher than the USPTO (56.91%).
Regionally, Estonia outperforms Sweden (83.07%) and is on par with Finland (83.33%), while coming in just behind Lithuania (89.18%), Austria (84.67%), and Germany (85.14%).
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Estonia | EPA | 83.15% |
Sweden | PRV | 83.07% |
Finland | PRH | 83.33% |
The European Union | EUIPO | 90.80% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Several elements contribute to the EPA's effective handling of trademark applications:
Digital-First Infrastructure: Estonia is known for its e-government capabilities, and the trademark system is no exception. Filing is quick, transparent, and accessible.
Streamlined Procedures: EPA’s examination process is straightforward, with a focus on efficiency and legal consistency.
Growing Legal Awareness: Estonia’s booming tech and startup scene has driven a rise in trademark filings, often with solid legal backing.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Estonia
Despite a relatively high success rate of 83.15%, registering a trademark in Estonia requires some preparation and understanding of EPA procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the EPA process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
