How much does it cost to register an EU trade mark?

Filing an EU trade mark (EUTM) costs from €850 for the first class if you file directly with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) online. A single EUTM registration gives you protection across all 27 EU member states. If you file via the Madrid Protocol from Australia, costs start from around AUD 5,300 for a single-class application including WIPO fees and professional fees.

This article covers the government fees, explains what drives the total cost, and compares direct filing with the Madrid Protocol.

Need a cost estimate? Use our international filing fee calculator for a personalised quote, or contact us to discuss your EU filing strategy.

Quick cost summary

Filing method	First class	Second class	Third class onwards
EUIPO direct (online)	€850	€50	€150 each
EUIPO direct (paper)	€1,000	€50	€150 each
Madrid Protocol (WIPO fees only)	653 CHF base + 789 CHF (EU designation)	Included in 789 CHF	789 CHF per additional class
Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 5,300 total	Additional class fees apply	Additional class fees apply

The EUIPO's fee structure is notably generous for two-class applications — the second class costs only €50, compared to €150 for each class after that.

All fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Check the EUIPO fee schedule and WIPO Madrid fee calculator for the latest rates.

What an EU trade mark covers

An EUTM is valid in all 27 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

This makes the EUTM excellent value if you need protection across multiple European countries. Filing individual national trade marks in each country would cost significantly more.

Note that the UK is no longer part of the EU. If you need protection in the UK, you must file separately with the UKIPO. See our article on the cost to file a trade mark in the UK.

What affects the cost?

Number of classes

The EUIPO has a tiered fee structure:

• First class: €850
• Second class: €50
• Third class and beyond: €150 each

This means a two-class application costs only €900 total — very good value. A three-class application costs €1,050.

Filing method

Online filing with the EUIPO is cheaper (€850 for the first class) than paper filing (€1,000). There is no practical reason to file by paper unless you have no alternative.

Professional fees

If you engage a trade mark attorney, their fees are in addition to the EUIPO government fees. European attorney fees for a straightforward application typically range from €500 to €2,000. If you are not based in the European Economic Area (EEA), you must appoint a representative with an EEA address for service when filing directly.

Examination scope

The EUIPO examines applications on absolute grounds only (distinctiveness, descriptiveness, etc.). It does not refuse applications based on conflicts with earlier trade marks. However, owners of earlier marks can file oppositions after publication. This means examination is generally faster, but the opposition risk is something to factor in.

Direct filing vs Madrid Protocol

Filing directly with the EUIPO

Item	Cost
EUIPO filing fee (first class, online)	€850
Second class	€50
Third class onwards	€150 each
EEA representative (if required)	€500–2,000+
Estimated total (one class, no representative)	€850
Estimated total (one class, with representative)	€1,350–2,850+

Pros:

• Covers all 27 EU member states with one application
• Generous fee structure for multi-class applications
• The registration is standalone and independent of your Australian registration
• Fast examination (typically 3–6 months)

Cons:

• Non-EEA applicants must appoint an EEA representative when filing directly
• The EUTM must be used in a substantial part of the EU to avoid revocation for non-use
• Only covers the EU — you need separate filings for the UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc.

Filing via the Madrid Protocol

Item	Cost
WIPO base fee	653 CHF (~AUD 1,050)
EU designation fee	789 CHF (~AUD 1,270)
Professional service fee	From AUD 2,750 (covers up to 3 countries)
Estimated total (one class)	From ~AUD 5,300

Pros:

• Single application can cover the EU and other countries simultaneously
• No need to appoint an EEA representative at the filing stage
• Centralised management of your international portfolio

Cons:

• The international registration depends on your base Australian registration for the first five years
• The Madrid route for the EU alone is typically more expensive than filing directly
• The EU designation fee via Madrid may not include the EUIPO's second-class discount

Key consideration: For the EU alone, direct filing is often cheaper and gives you a standalone registration. The Madrid Protocol becomes more attractive when you're filing in the EU alongside several other countries, because the WIPO base fee is shared across all designations.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on the pros and cons of filing directly vs using WIPO.

Local representative requirements

If you file directly with the EUIPO and you are not domiciled or established in the EEA, you must appoint a professional representative who is qualified to act before the EUIPO and has a place of business in the EEA.

If you file via the Madrid Protocol, an EEA representative is not required at the filing stage. If the EUIPO raises objections or an opposition is filed, you may need to engage a representative to respond.

Renewal fees and obligations

EU trade mark registrations last for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.

Requirement	When	Fee
Renewal (first class)	Every 10 years	€850
Second class	At renewal	€50
Third class onwards	At renewal	€150 each

The EUIPO does not require periodic proof of use for renewal. However, a third party can apply to revoke your EUTM if it has not been put to genuine use in a substantial part of the EU for a continuous period of five years.

Example cost scenarios

Scenario	Approx. cost
One class, direct filing (online, EEA applicant)	€850
Two classes, direct filing (online, EEA applicant)	€900
One class, direct filing + EEA representative	€1,350–2,850
One class, Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 5,300
EU + UK + US via Madrid (one class each)	From ~AUD 6,600

Use our international filing fee calculator for a tailored estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a trade mark in all EU countries?

A single EU trade mark (EUTM) filed with the EUIPO covers all 27 member states for €850 (first class, online). This is far cheaper than filing individual national trade marks in each country.

Does an EU trade mark cover the UK?

No. Since the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, a new EUTM does not cover the United Kingdom. You need a separate UK trade mark filing. See our article on the cost to file a trade mark in the UK.

Do I need a European representative to file an EUTM?

If you are domiciled or established in the EEA, no. If you are based outside the EEA (including Australia), you must appoint a qualified representative with an EEA place of business when filing directly with the EUIPO. Filing via the Madrid Protocol avoids this requirement at the filing stage.

How long does EU trade mark registration take?

The EUIPO typically processes applications within 4 to 6 months if there are no objections or oppositions. After examination, the mark is published for a three-month opposition period.

Do I need to use my trade mark in the EU to keep it registered?

There is no mandatory use filing requirement at renewal. However, your EUTM can be revoked by a third party if it has not been genuinely used in a substantial part of the EU for five consecutive years. Keep records of your commercial use across the EU.

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For a step-by-step guide to registering a trade mark in the EU, see our EU trade mark registration guide. For an overview of international filing options, see how to file an international trade mark.

Ready to protect your brand in Europe? Get a fee estimate or contact us to discuss your options.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.