Estonia Trademark registration
Estonia is a member of the Madrid Protocol since November 18th, 1998. Since May 1st, 2004, Estonia has been a member of the European Union. Trademark protection is obtained by registration.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Patent Office by a local agent. On application, a special certified power of attorney has to be show (duly legalized). Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes a formal examination and an examination of distinctiveness, but no search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 14-16 months from first filing to registration. Before registration the trademark is published in the official Gazette (Eesti Kaubamärgileht). The opposition period at the Board of Appeal is 2 months from publication date of the application. It is also possible to file an opposition against the trademark registration at a court within 5 years from registration date.
Duration
A trademark registration in Estonia is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office. EUROPEAN UNION (COMMUNITY TRADEMARK): Since this country is a member of the European Union, Trademark Protection could be obtained by registration of a Community Trademark (CTM), which is valid for a period of 10 years in all countries of the European Union. INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION (MADRID SYSTEM)*: If you already have filed a trademark application or have a trademark registration in one or more countries of the Madrid Union (based on the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol), you can obtain trademark protection by filing one single application, so called International Registration (Madrid System). *Note: The fees for an International Trademark Application (WIPO) will be calculated for each individual country or multiple countries. For a quotation please send us an e-mail with the name of countries where you currently have a registration and all preferable countries where you wish to extend your trademark protection.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from registration or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.