Trademark registration, copyright, patents, trade secrets and IP litigation.
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EU trademark registration (EUTM) covers all 27 EU member states in a single filing. For non-EU countries, separate national registrations or Madrid Protocol filings are needed.
EU trademarks typically take 4–6 months if unopposed. A lawyer can handle the filing, respond to office actions and monitor for infringement.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Germany's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsGermany's IP system is among Europe's strongest. Patents via DPMA (national) or EPO (European). Trade marks via DPMA or EUIPO. Copyright (Urheberrecht) arises automatically — no registration needed. Unfair competition (UWG) is a key enforcement tool. The Unified Patent Court (UPC, 2023) now covers Germany. Abmahnung (cease-and-desist) is the dominant first response to IP infringement — respond within the deadline (usually 7–14 days).
| IP Right | Authority | Filing fee | Duration | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Patent (Gebrauchsmuster) | DPMA | €40 (online) | Max 10 years | Germany only — no examination |
| German Patent (Patentschrift) | DPMA | €350–500 | Max 20 years | Germany — full examination |
| European Patent (EPO) | EPO (Munich) | €4,000–8,000 | Max 20 years | 38 EPC member states |
| Unitary Patent (UPC) | EPO + UPC | €4,000–8,000 (same as EP) | Max 20 years | 17 EU states (incl. Germany) |
| German Trade Mark (Marke) | DPMA | €290 (1 class) | 10 years (renewable) | Germany only |
| EU Trade Mark (EUTM) | EUIPO (Alicante) | €850 (1 class) | 10 years (renewable) | All 27 EU member states |
| Copyright (Urheberrecht) | No registration | €0 | Life + 70 years | Germany (UrhG) |
| Step | Action | Typical cost (claimant) | Risk if ignored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abmahnung sent (cease-and-desist) | €800–2,500 | Infringer pays claimant's costs if UWG § 12 applies |
| 2a | Unterlassungserklärung signed (cease agreed) | €300–800 (own RA to review) | Binding: future breach = Vertragsstrafe |
| 2b | Abmahnung rejected / ignored | — | Einstweilige Verfügung filed next |
| 3 | Einstweilige Verfügung (injunction) | €2,000–8,000 total | Immediate injunction; contempt penalties |
| 4 | Full Hauptsacheverfahren (main proceedings) | €5,000–50,000+ | Schadensersatz + Gewinnabschöpfung |
