A. Application phase

1. Look at the "Calculate fees" section of this web site and figure what will be the "total" cost of your trademark application. Remember that only $195 must be paid as a deposit/engagement fee for each trademark for us to start the comprehensive trademark availability search. 
   
2. Visit the "How to apply" section of this site and read about the easy steps of the application process to either apply online or by phone.
   
3. If you decide to apply online, complete the online application getting help from the Application Assistant. If you decide to apply by phone, call us, and apply with one of our representatives.
   
4. Pay the $195 deposit/engagement fee online, right after submission of the online application, or by phone, through one of our representatives, if you apply by phone.
   
5. Get order confirmation of your online application within the same business day of the application (one of our representative will contact you), or immediately if you apply by phone.
   
6. When instructed by our firm (usually 2 business days from the application, depending on the time necessary to perform the search) make the firm fees residual payment in the amount calculated through the "Calculate fees" table. 
   
7. Once your application is prepared, it is filed electronically in the Office for Harmonization In the Internal Market.
   
8. Once electronically submitted, your application will automatically receive a receipt from the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market.

B. The application examination phase

"The procedure for the registration of a CTM is an examination procedure which comprises the following three main parts:

1. firstly, examination of the application, which includes whether or not a filing date may be accorded, the formalities examination and the examination as to absolute grounds for refusal, during which search reports are established.
   
2. secondly, publication of the application.
   
3. thirdly, the procedure up to registration which may comprise opposition proceedings.

The first part of the procedure starts with the receipt of the application, either directly at the OHIM or via a central industrial property office, and involves:

• examination as to whether or not a filing date may be accorded, the classification check of the goods and services designated in the application;
  
• the sending of the list of goods and services to the Translation Centre for Bodies of the European Union (Luxembourg);
  
• the establishment of the CTM search report, the transmission of the application to central industrial property offices in Member States, for searches in their national registers and the transmission of all reports to the applicant or his representative;
  
• examination as to absolute grounds for refusal.

The OHIM will not examine ex officio relative grounds for refusal. These may be raised only by third parties in opposition proceedings or in cancellation proceedings after registration of the CTM.

The second part of the procedure is the publication of the application in part A of the CTM Bulletin, where the result of the examination by the OHIM has been positive.

The third part of the procedure is reserved for third parties to invoke their earlier rights in opposition proceedings. Opposition may be lodged within three months following the publication of the CTM application. Where the outcome of opposition proceedings is positive for the applicant, or where no opposition has been filed, the CTM will be registered.

Appeals proceedings constitute a special procedural phase. Appeals can be filed during the aforementioned parts of the procedure against decisions of the Examiners, the Opposition Divisions and the Administration of Trade Marks and Legal Division. A decision which does not terminate proceedings as regards one of the parties can be appealed only together with the final decision, unless separate appeal is allowed in that decision.

The Boards of Appeal are competent for taking decisions regarding appeals."(*)

(*)Excerpt from the official website of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market.

"Lear more" section

What do you mean by "business day"?
Our business day, for the purpose of confirming new applications. starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. All applications received after 4:00 p.m. will be considered as received, and will be handled on the next business day.

(*)Excerpt from the official website of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market.