European Union trademark is protected and registered in all members of European Union (“EU”). Due to this benefit, many applicants like to register EU trademarks. It is part of the requirement that the application needs to be made at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (“EUIPO”).
歐盟商標的保護範圍涵蓋歐盟所有的成員國，因為這樣的優點，不少人申請歐盟商標。申請註冊歐盟商標須向「歐盟智慧財產局」 (簡稱EUIPO) 提出申請。
Once the mark is filed, it would go through formality examination and distinctive examination. When checking the application form, if the registrar finds any deficiencies, an office action will be issued and the applicant is required to respond within two months. After completing the formality examination, the application is under distinctive examination, which the registrar only checks for absolute grounds. If the trademark lacks distinctness, an office action will be issued and the applicant is required to respond within two months. If the argument is convincible, the application will be granted; if not, the applicant can file an appeal.
商標提出申請後會進行形式審查及識別性審查。進行形式審查時，如審查員認為有缺漏，會要求申請人在兩個月內提出補正。案件完成形式審查後會進行識別性審查，這個階段審查員僅會確認商標是否有任何絕對不得註冊事由，如有的話審查員會發出核駁通知，申請人須在兩個月內提交答辯。答辯成功商標會核准，反之商標會被駁回，申請人可提出訴願。
When the trademark is granted, it will be published for three months, and any interested parties can file an opposition. If no opposition is filed during this period, the trademark will be registered.
商標核准後會進行為期三個月的公告期，公告期內任何利害關係人可提起異議。如無人異議商標會核准註冊。
Due to Brexit issue, we would like to draw your attention regarding EU trademark protection in U.K.
因英國不再是歐盟成員國，請各位注意歐盟商標在英國的保護規定。
1. Registered EU trademarks: these marks registered before Exit Day will be automatically protected in U.K.
已註冊歐盟商標:在脫歐過渡期結束之時已註冊的歐盟商標，將自動在英國受到保護。
2. Pending EU trademarks: these mark which is still pending on Exit Day needs to file an application before UK Intellectual Property Office (“UKIPO”) but can receive the same application date as the EU trademarks.
審查中歐盟商標:在脫歐過渡期結束之時仍審查中的歐盟商標，須向「英國智慧財產權局」(簡稱UKIPO) 提出英國商標註冊申請，但可與歐盟商標享有同樣的申請日。
3. Renewal EU trademarks: if a trademark is due for renewal in six months period after Exit Day, separate renewal fee needs to pay to UKIPO.
延展歐盟商標:商標在專用期屆滿前六個月內已過脫歐過渡期，需額外向UKIPO提出延展申請。
Below is flowchart from EUIPO for your better understanding:[1]
下圖為歐盟商標申請流程圖
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