Get Started Trademarks: Register Your Trademark in Italy and the European Union

A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your name, logo or sign in connection with your goods or services, and the legal tools to stop others from using something confusingly similar. For artists, producers, labels, creative businesses and brand owners, it is one of the most effective forms of intellectual property protection available.

Get Started: Trademarks provides full assistance with trademark registration in Italy and the European Union, from the initial search through to registration and beyond.

Who We Work With

Artists, musicians and bands

Protecting a name, stage name or band name before it becomes valuable, and avoiding disputes between band members or with third parties who register it first. See also our Get Started: Musician.

Film and TV producers

Registering a production title, a format name or a series brand, especially when the project will be licensed, merchandised or developed into further seasons. See also Get Started Producer.

Creative businesses

Design studios, labels, publishers, galleries, festivals and events protecting the identity they have built.

Startups and entrepreneurs

Founders building a brand for the Italian or European market who want to check the name is free before investing in it.

International companies

Foreign brands entering Italy or the EU, and their lawyers, who need local searches, filings and a point of contact in English.

What We Cover

• Trademark clearance search: a search of registered and pending trademarks to identify conflicts before you file, covering the Italian register (UIBM), the EU register (EUIPO) and, where relevant, international databases.
• Availability analysis: a legal assessment of the risk of opposition or refusal, including confusingly similar signs and the relevant Nice classes.
• Application preparation and filing: drafting and filing the application with the right office, with the correct selection of goods and services.
• Procedure follow-up: monitoring the application through examination, the opposition period and registration, and responding to any objections.
• Post-registration monitoring: surveillance of new applications that could conflict with your mark, with advice on whether to oppose.

Italy, EU or Both?

Italian trademark (UIBM)

Protects your mark in Italy only. The simplest and least expensive option if you operate mainly in the Italian market: official fees are lower than at the EUIPO and the procedure is generally quicker.

EU trademark (EUIPO)

A single application that protects your mark in all 27 EU Member States. The right choice if you already operate, or plan to expand, across Europe: one application, one registration, valid throughout the EU.

Both

For brands with a strong Italian identity and a European outlook, registering at both UIBM and EUIPO can offer the most complete protection. For markets outside the EU, an international registration under the Madrid System can extend an Italian or EU mark to other countries. We recommend a strategy based on your markets, budget and risk profile.

What You Can Register

• Word marks: the name, title or phrase you want to protect, regardless of typeface or design.
• Figurative marks: a logo, symbol or graphic element.
• Combined marks: name and logo together in a specific visual form.
• Other types: colour, shape and sound marks, assessed case by case.

FAQ

Should I register my trademark in Italy or in the EU?

It depends on where you operate. An Italian trademark is cheaper and quicker if your market is mainly Italy; an EU trademark protects you in all 27 Member States with a single application. Some brands register both.

Why do I need a clearance search before filing?

Because a trademark office does not stop you from filing a mark that conflicts with an earlier one. A search before filing reduces the risk of oppositions, refusals and disputes after you have already invested in the name.

Can I register my band name or stage name?

Yes. Names of artists and bands can be registered as trademarks for music, live performances and merchandise. For bands, it is important to agree first who owns the name.

How long does a trademark last?

Italian and EU trademarks last ten years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods.

Do you work with foreign companies and law firms?

Yes. We handle Italian and EU filings for foreign clients and act as Italian counsel for foreign law firms, in English. See Get Started: Law Firms.

Get in Touch

Fill in the form below to tell us about your brand, or book a call directly online. We respond within 24 hours on business days.

→ Book with Claudia Roggero: claudiaroggero.youcanbook.me
→ Book with Donato Di Pelino: donatodipelino.youcanbook.me
→ WhatsApp: +39 345.717.14.66