Five reasons why your business should consider a Benelux trademark

In its yearly report for 2023, the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) reported a total number of 20.407 Benelux trademark applications filed. This impressive number underscores the continuous relevance and importance of BOIP as well as trademark protection in the Benelux region.

Five reasons why businesses should consider applying for a Benelux trademark:

1. Regional Protection: A Benelux trademark provides comprehensive protection across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, offering the chance to protect your brand in three countries simultaneously.
2. Cost-Effective: Registering a Benelux trademark is surprisingly affordable. The basic fee for a 10-year registration in one category of products and services starts from €244 (excluding the fees of a trademark agent or trademark lawyer, if chosen to use their services), making it an accessible option for businesses of all sizes.
3. Efficient Process: BOIP’s trademark registration procedure typically takes around 3 months, with the option for accelerated registration available through which a registration can be obtained almost immediately. This efficient process allows businesses to secure their brand protection quickly.
4. Strategic Launchpad for International Expansion: The Benelux trademark serves as an excellent foundation for international expansion through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Madrid System. This system allows trademark owners to file a single application to protect their mark in up to 128 countries. By using your Benelux registration as a base, you can efficiently extend your trademark protection to key markets worldwide, streamlining the process and potentially reducing costs compared to filing separate national applications.
5. Opposition against EU Trademark Applications: A Benelux trademark can be used to oppose European Union trademark (EUTM) applications. If a new EUTM application is too similar to your existing Benelux trademark, you can file an opposition to prevent the registration of the conflicting mark. This provides an additional layer of protection for your brand within the broader EU market.

Leonie Kroon
Lawyer
kroon@dillingerlaw.nl