Trademark Registration Costs in Romania: What Businesses Need to Know
For businesses operating in Romania, understanding the costs associated with trademark registration is essential for effective planning. These costs vary depending on whether the mark is registered nationally through the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) or at the European level via the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), as well as on the type of mark, the number of classes of goods and services, and whether professional representation is engaged.
1. Trademark Registration Fees in Romania (Romanian IPO)
Trademark registration in Romania is governed by Law No. 84/1998 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications, republished, and administered by OSIM (Romanian IPO). The official fees depend on the nature of the mark, the number of classes of goods and services, and the characteristics of any graphical elements, such as logos or color variants.
1.1. Word Marks
A word mark consists solely of letters, numbers, or combinations thereof, without any figurative or graphic elements. It protects the verbal representation of the brand itself, independent of design, font, or color. For a word mark covering a single class of goods or services, the total official cost, including filing, examination, and issuance of the registration certificate, is 200 EUR.
1.2. Figurative Marks
For a figurative mark, OSIM charges higher fees. Marks filed in color also incur additional costs, reflecting the complexity of examination and the assessment of graphical distinctiveness. As such, a colored figurative mark covering a single class typically costs 380 EUR.
1.3. Additional Classes
Romania follows the Nice Classification system, which organizes goods and services into designated classes. Each additional class beyond the first incurs supplementary fees of 50 EUR per class, increasing the total cost of registration depending on the scope of protection requested.
2. European Trademark Registration via EUIPO
For businesses seeking protection beyond Romania, registering a European Union trademark through the EUIPO provides unitary protection across all 27 EU Member States with a single application.
2.1. EUIPO Fee Structure
The EUIPO fee system is based on the number of classes requested:
- 850 EUR for the first class;
- + 50 EUR for the second class;
- + 150 EUR for each additional class from the third onwards.
These fees apply to all types of marks, including word, figurative, or combined marks, and grant protection for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
3. Comparative Overview of Costs: OSIM vs. EUIPO
| Criterion | OSIM (Romania) | EUIPO (European Union) |
|---|---|---|
| Competent authority | State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) | European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) |
| Territorial scope | National (Romania) | All 27 EU Member States |
| Basic fee (1 class) | 200 EUR (word mark) | 850 EUR |
| Colored figurative mark (1 class) | 380 EUR | 850 EUR |
| Additional classes | Yes (differentiated) | Yes (differentiated) |
| Attorney fees | Differentiated | Differentiated |
4. Legal and Strategic Considerations
The choice between national registration through OSIM and EU-wide registration through EUIPO depends on the geographic scope of business operations and strategic objectives. For businesses operating solely within Romania, OSIM registration is cost-effective and provides sufficient legal protection. In contrast, businesses with cross-border operations or expansion plans benefit from an EU trademark, which ensures uniform protection and reduces the administrative burden of multiple national filings. Economically, the higher initial EUIPO fees are offset by the broader protection and the avoidance of multiple national applications.
Trademark registration is a strategic legal investment. It secures exclusive rights, reinforces brand identity, and enhances the commercial value of the business. For Romanian businesses, understanding the fee structures and professional requirements associated with both OSIM and EUIPO registration is essential to making informed decisions and maximizing the protective and economic benefits of trademark ownership.
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