FAQ
for the Registration of Trademarks
Trademark registration is not a simple technical submission, but a process that directly affects the security and value of the brand. Filing without serious due diligence, risk assessment and proper class selection can lead to rejections, infringement or future problems. That's why we do not follow «instant filing» practices and opt for a methodical process that reduces risk and secures your brand's position as much as possible.
We can of course file a mark very quickly if we simply file the application without participating in all the intermediate advisory stages.
The mark is «Registered» in about 4-5 months from the start of the process
The mark is published as registered. This usually happens 1-2 weeks after the end of the infringements.
A brand can be any distinctive element that helps the public to recognise your business or products. This includes verbal elements (name, phrases, slogans), visual elements (logos, symbols, graphics) and even special forms such as 3D shapes, sound signs or packaging, as long as they are distinctive.
Yes, it can. A trade mark can be registered by several co-owners, whether they are individuals or companies. In this case, all owners formally appear on the registration and share the rights to use and exploit the mark. It is important, however, that there is a clear agreement between them on how to use the mark, their rights and obligations, in order to avoid future disputes.
In today's terms, renewing a national label after ten years would cost €120 for the first class and €20 for each additional class. While the cost of applying for renewal would cost €150
The cost is determined by two main factors: the number of classes to be selected and the type of registration (national, European or international). Each system has its own fees for the first class and additional fees for each subsequent class. The service fees include the examination, the configuration of the classes, the drafting of the application and the management of the procedure up to the final decision.
Yes, you can. Trademark registration does not require a company to exist. An individual can file and own a trademark in his or her own name, as long as he or she states the classes of goods or services he or she intends to cover. Many creators, artists, professionals, or people preparing a future brand start out just enough to secure their name before moving forward with any corporate form.
Yes, you can register it without immediate use, but its protection is not unlimited. After five years from registration, any third party can request that the mark be deleted if they can prove that it is not actually used in the market. This means that non-use does not create an immediate problem, but in the long run it can lead to a loss of rights. The safe practice is to have at least basic and documented use within the first five years so that the mark remains fully protectable.
See the press page for the case of James Bond and the Five Years
When an application is filed, the agency examines whether there are any earlier marks that may be confusing. If any of them are considered to be conflicting, the proprietor of the earlier mark may object. In this procedure, it is examined whether the two marks are similar in name, image and classes. If a decision is made against the applicant, there is a right of appeal, where the case is re-examined with more evidence and arguments.
The filing of a trademark is accompanied by a state fee, which is non-refundable in case of refusal or objections that ultimately lead to non-registration. The same applies to service fees: they cover the time, checking, drafting and filing of the application, as well as the administration of the procedure, irrespective of the decision of the agency.
In order to minimize the chance of rejection, we always perform a FREE elementary check before taking on the job where we examine whether the signal is descriptive, whether there are previous exactly the same conflicting signals and whether the discretionary requirements are met. At the elementary check we give you an initial risk assessment. In the next stage and before filing we carry out a thorough check with risk assessment where you can make your final decision having all the data. In this way we ensure that the deposit is only made when the conditions are right, so that you do not proceed with a process that has no realistic chance of success.
In simple terms, the money is not refunded, but the process is designed so that the risk of rejection is as low as possible.
We collect all the information about your brand and activities through an online questionnaire.
Even if a trademark is completely unique, no company or professional can absolutely guarantee that a trademark will be approved. The final decision is made solely by the agency examiner, who evaluates distinctiveness and any conflicts with earlier marks. This means that, even with impeccable preparation, there is always a degree of uncertainty.
What we can ensure is proper pre-processing: a full descriptiveness check, a search for similar and identical signals, and an assessment of the likelihood of success before any deposit is made. This minimises the risk of rejection, but no one can give a «100% guarantee» because it does not belong to the filer or the consultant - it belongs to the examiner and the committees.
An absolutely «perfect» investigation does not exist, because no one has access to internal pending applications that have not yet been published. This means that there is always a small margin of uncertainty. At the Greek trade mark level the assessment is usually more secure because it is examined by a national organisation with a more homogeneous register; in contrast, in the European trade mark the process involves 27 countries and more potential conflicts. If one wanted an «absolutely deep» search, one would need to search each local register separately, which is feasible but very costly.
In any case, our success rates are extremely high, because each deposit is preceded by a full discretion and conflict assessment.
See more information on the complexity of the network of vesting agencies on our page Synapsee.gr/xartis_simaton_Trademarks
A brand can be any distinctive element that helps the public to recognise your business or products. This includes verbal elements (name, phrases, slogans), visual elements (logos, symbols, graphics) and even special forms such as 3D shapes, sound signs or packaging, as long as they are distinctive.
Pre-registration use is allowed, but it carries a risk: if a conflict with an earlier mark eventually arises, the owner can claim discontinuation of use, damages or even product withdrawal. The safe practice is to use the mark normally, but avoid large productions, prints or investments until the examination is complete. A proper pre-testing before filing significantly reduces the risk.
