European Trademark Registration – Extend Your Protection Beyond Switzerland
Switzerland’s reputation for legal precision and innovation makes it an ideal base for launching and scaling businesses. But if you operate beyond the Swiss border — particularly in the European Union — you’ll want to ensure your brand is protected across the entire EU market.
Through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Swiss companies and individuals can register a European trademark (EUTM) and gain automatic legal protection in all 27 EU member states. At DomizilAdresse, we help entrepreneurs turn this opportunity into a strategic legal asset.
Can Swiss Businesses Register an EU Trademark?
Yes. Swiss companies, even though located outside the EU, are fully eligible to apply for an EUTM. The key requirement is to appoint a legal representative within the EU, such as a trademark attorney. Many companies prefer to coordinate their Swiss compliance through DomizilAdresse while working with one of our EU legal partners for trademark representation.
This setup is particularly useful if you already use our Swiss business address or require a Swiss-resident board member, ensuring you remain compliant both domestically and abroad.
How the Process Works
The first step is to perform a trademark search using EUIPO’s database to ensure your mark is not already taken. You’ll then prepare your application, choosing the correct Nice Classification codes to define your products and services.
Once submitted, your application is reviewed by EUIPO and published in the trademark journal. If no objections are filed during the three-month opposition window, your trademark is registered and valid across the EU.
Most applications are processed in 4 to 6 months, unless extended due to legal challenges.
Costs and Validity
The base application fee is €850 for the first class, plus €50 for the second class, and €150 for each additional class. Once registered, your European trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Using a Swiss Trademark as a Starting Point
If you already have a registered trademark in Switzerland, you can claim priority when filing your EUTM — provided it’s done within six months of your Swiss registration. This allows your EU trademark to reflect the earlier Swiss filing date, offering competitive protection in time-sensitive industries.
Trademark Strategy Meets Legal Representation
At DomizilAdresse, we go beyond simple registrations. We provide a full suite of services for international clients operating in Switzerland, including Swiss-domiciled business addresses and legal representation through board mandates.
Our role is to help you stay compliant in Switzerland while building a legally protected brand that’s ready to grow across the EU.
📌 For legal reference, view the Swiss Code of Obligations (Articles 946–961) and the official EUIPO site.
✅ Contact DomizilAdresse
🌐 Website: https://domiziladresse.ch
📞 Phone: +41 (0)41 410 61 61
📧 Email: info@domiziladresse.ch
🏢 Address: Blegistrasse 7, 6340 Baar, Switzerland