Application success rate in the EU: 5-year trend
Trademark applications in the European Union are managed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
The EUIPO boasts a consistently high trademark application success rate, averaging 90.80% over the past five years. This reflects a robust and streamlined examination process that supports brand protection efforts across all EU member states.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 115,829 | 127,435 | 90.89% |
2020 | 134,030 | 145,301 | 92.24% |
2021 | 150,186 | 161,961 | 92.73% |
2022 | 125,635 | 137,833 | 91.15% |
2023 | 123,711 | 142,665 | 86.71% |
Total (average) | 649,391 | 715,195 | 90.80% |
Comparison to major IP Offices
Compared to jurisdictions like the United States (56.91%) or Canada (50.76%), the EU (90.80%) success rate is significantly higher. Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Success rate |
|---|---|
The European Union (EUIPO) | 90.80% |
The United States (USPTO) | 56.91% |
The United Kingdom (UKIPO) | 86.22% |
Canada (CIPO) | 50.76% |
Australia (IPA) | 52.52% |
Several factors contribute to this:
Efficient and Harmonized System: The EUIPO operates under a unified trademark system that allows a single application to cover all 27 EU countries. This centralized process improves efficiency and consistency in examination outcomes.
Clear Examination Criteria: While thorough, the EUIPO’s examination focuses on absolute grounds for refusal and oppositions, without delving into relative grounds during initial review (unlike the USPTO). This often leads to higher initial acceptance rates.
Less Procedural Complexity: The EUIPO provides a more applicant-friendly experience with streamlined digital systems and multilingual support, helping to reduce procedural errors and delays.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in the EU
Even with a strong average success rate of 90.80%, trademark registration in the EU requires strategic planning and familiarity with the EUIPO process. 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 an experienced EU trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth application process. Legal professionals can help you assess risks, respond to formal objections, and guide you through any opposition proceedings.
If you're preparing your first trademark application in the EU, we’ve created a step-by-step guide that includes expert insights from seasoned trademark lawyers. Additionally, you can take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive tailored feedback on your application before submission.
