Trademark Registration Process Revealed: Global Comparison of Duration, Significant Differences Across Markets

Globally, the length of the trademark registration process varies depending on the jurisdiction the application is filed in. For example, applications in the UK typically take 4-5 months, while EU trademark registrations can take 5-6 months, and in the US, the application process can take even longer, approximately 12-18 months.

The trademark registration process typically consists of three stages:

• Examination stage: After the trademark registration application is submitted, the examiner of the Trademark Office will review the trademark to be registered and decide whether it can be announced.
• Opposition stage: After the trademark application is published, third parties have the opportunity to file an opposition.
• Registration stage: If no objection is raised during the objection period, the Trademark Office will issue a trademark registration certificate.

U.K.

• Trademark registration typically takes 4-5 months from start to finish:
  • The review phase usually takes 1 month if no corrections are made or if the document submission is delayed.
  • The objection phase generally lasts 2 months. If an objection occurs, this phase may be extended by 1 month.
  • The registration phase usually takes 1 month

European Union

• Trademark registration usually takes 5-6 months:
  • The review phase usually takes 1 month if no corrections are made or if the document submission is delayed.
  • The opposition phase lasts three months and may be extended if complex issues are involved or additional evidence is required.
  • The registration phase usually takes 1 month

USA

• Trademark registration usually takes 12-18 months:
  • The review phase generally takes 8-10 months if no corrections are made or if the document submission is delayed.
  • The opposition phase lasts 30 days and can be extended by 60 days by requesting an extension
  • The registration phase usually takes 2-3 months

Australia

• Trademark registration usually takes 7-8 months:
  • The review phase typically takes 3-4 months
  • The opposition phase lasts for 2 months and can be extended by 30 days by requesting an extension
  • The registration phase usually takes 1 month

Canada

• Trademark registration usually takes 2-3 years, or even longer:
  • The examination phase will vary depending on the complexity of the application and the backlog, but will take at least 2 years.
  • The opposition phase lasts 2 months, but CIPO may extend it depending on the circumstances.
  • The length of the registration phase varies widely, ranging from a few months to several years, depending on the specific circumstances.

China

• Trademark registration usually takes 12-14 months. The stages are as follows:
  • The review phase typically takes 9 months
  • The opposition phase lasts 3 months
  • The registration phase usually takes 1-2 months

International Bureau (WIPO)

• The time it takes to register a trademark depends on the countries designated in the application. Once an international application is filed, the trademark offices of the designated countries generally have 12 months to decide on registration or rejection. In certain cases, this time may extend to around 18 months. From the time the application is filed, it is considered a national registration in a group of designated countries, each of which processes trademark registration applications according to its own laws and timeframes.