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 Spain's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsSpanish IP is governed by the Ley de Marcas (LM 17/2001), Ley de Patentes (LP 24/2015), and the Real Decreto Legislativo 1/1996 (LPI — Copyright). Registration is administered by the OEPM (Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas). Copyright arises automatically — no registration required (LPI art. 1).
| IP Right | Official Fee (approx.) | Duration | Best Protection Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marca española (national trademark) | €146.75 (1 class, online) + €21.65/additional class | 10 years (renewable) | Spain-only business |
| Marca UE (EUIPO) | €850 (1 class) + €50 (2nd) + €150/further | 10 years | EU-wide coverage (27 states) |
| Marca internacional (WIPO Madrid) | CHF 653 base + per-country fees | 10 years | Multi-country outside EU |
| Patente española (national patent) | €124.77 filing + €598.35 examination (total) | 20 years (annuities) | Spain only; search before filing |
| Patente europea (EPO) | €4,000–8,000 total official fees | 20 years | Validate in desired EPC states; UPC route since 2023 |
| Modelo de utilidad (utility model) | €65.55 filing | 10 years | Minor innovations — faster, cheaper than patent |
| Diseño industrial | €145.75 (1 design) | 5 years × 5 (max 25) | Product design protection |
| Copyright (Propiedad Intelectual) | €0 (automatic) — optional OEPM record | Life + 70 years | Original works, software, databases |
| Action | Legal Basis | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diligencias de comprobación de hechos (evidence gathering) | LEC art. 293 | Ordered by court — days | €2,000–5,000 |
| Medida cautelar (provisional injunction) | LEC art. 721 + LP art. 127 | Days–weeks | €2,000–8,000 |
| Acción principal (full IP trial — Juzgado Mercantil) | LM art. 40, LP art. 71 | 12–24 months | €10,000–50,000 |
| Aduana (customs seizure — CBAM/EU Reg. 608/2013) | EU 608/2013 | 10 days | €500 application + guarantee |
Juzgados de lo Mercantil: IP cases in Spain are tried by the Juzgados Mercantiles — Barcelona and Madrid have specialist IP sections. Barcelona is particularly known for software/copyright disputes; Madrid for trademark. Since UPC launch in June 2023, European patents can be litigated centrally.
