German Trademark · DPMA

Register a German Trademark.

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Since 2010
Long-standing practice in trademark law
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Fixed Fees
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Personal Service
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For many businesses, the EU trademark is the better choice: accelerated fast-track procedure, simplified examination, EU-wide trademark protection.

EU Trademark Registration →

Trademark Packages

German Trademark at the DPMA

Domestic protection through the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. Choose the scope of services that suits you.

Basic

€390 excl. VAT

+ DPMA filing fee €290 (1–3 classes)

  • check_circleIdentity search
  • check_circleList of goods and services (up to 3 classes)
  • check_circleFiling of the application with the DPMA
  • check_circleForwarding of official correspondence, minor corrections (e.g. list of goods and services, owner details, colour claims)
  • cancelNo similarity search
  • cancelNo representation if the office announces refusals for lack of distinctiveness
Select Package
Recommended

Research & Filing

€590 excl. VAT

+ DPMA filing fee €290 (1–3 classes)

  • check_circleIdentity and similarity search
  • check_circleAssessment of registrability
  • check_circleList of goods and services (up to 3 classes)
  • check_circleFiling of the application with the DPMA
  • check_circleForwarding of official correspondence, minor corrections (e.g. list of goods and services, owner details, colour claims)
  • cancelNo representation if the office announces refusals for lack of distinctiveness
Select Package

Full Protection

€890 excl. VAT

+ DPMA filing fee €290 (1–3 classes)

  • check_circleIdentity and similarity search
  • check_circleAssessment of registrability
  • check_circleList of goods and services (up to 3 classes)
  • check_circleFiling of the application with the DPMA
  • check_circleForwarding of official correspondence, minor corrections
  • check_circleResponse to provisional refusals (e.g. lack of distinctiveness, need to keep free)
Select Package
info
DPMA Filing Fees (not included in the fees above): €290 for 1–3 classes · +€100 from the 4th class · +€200 accelerated procedure (optional). Filing fees are remitted directly to the DPMA and invoiced separately upon instruction.

Included in every package

check_circlePersonal support from a specialist trademark lawyer
check_circleElectronic filing with the DPMA
check_circleOfficial filing confirmation
check_circleCommunication in German
check_circleTransparent invoice with no surprises
check_circleService for individuals and companies

What the DPMA procedure involves

The German Patent and Trade Mark Office examines trademark applications primarily for absolute grounds for refusal: lack of distinctiveness, descriptiveness, or likelihood of deception. The procedure typically takes three to nine months.

Refusals are more common at the DPMA than at the EUIPO. Descriptive or weak marks are regularly objected to. A thorough assessment prior to filing significantly reduces this risk.

Opposition proceedings after registration are separate mandates. They arise when owners of earlier marks file an opposition within the three-month opposition period. This is not included in the filing package but can be commissioned separately.

Why can the DPMA procedure take longer?

The DPMA examines applications more thoroughly for absolute grounds for refusal than the EUIPO. In particular, descriptive indications and descriptiveness requirements are scrutinised intensively. This extends the procedure but also provides the opportunity to respond with a written objection.

What happens if the DPMA objects to the mark?

The Office sends an official objection notice with a deadline for a response. In the Full Protection package, the response is already included. In the other packages, representation in ongoing proceedings can be commissioned separately.

For whom is a German trademark the right choice?

The national DPMA trademark makes sense if protection is deliberately to be limited to Germany, for example as a complement to an existing EU trademark or in the case of very specific regional protection strategies. For purely domestic protection without broader plans, it is the cost-effective solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions about DPMA Applications

Why is the EU trademark often the better choice? expand_more
The EU trade mark protects in all 27 EU member states with a single application. The EUIPO filing fee, calculated per country covered, is cheaper than parallel national applications. Moreover, the EUIPO procedure in fast-track mode is significantly faster and the refusal rate is lower than at the DPMA. For companies that do not wish to remain exclusively limited to Germany, the EU trademark is almost always preferable.
When does a DPMA application make sense nonetheless? expand_more
A national DPMA trademark makes sense as a targeted complement to an existing EU trademark, to close gaps, or when protection is strategically to be limited to Germany. Also in the case of trademark extensions where an existing EU trademark cannot be amended, a separate DPMA application may be the right solution.
How long does a DPMA application take? expand_more
The DPMA procedure typically takes three to nine months. After registration, a three-month opposition period begins. If there are no objections and no opposition, the trademark is registered thereafter. The accelerated procedure (for an increased filing fee) can shorten the examination to a few weeks.
What happens after registration? expand_more
After registration, the trademark is published in the DPMA register. Owners of earlier rights have three months to file an opposition. If no opposition is filed, the trademark is registered with binding effect. The protection period is ten years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.
Are filing fees included in the prices? expand_more
No. The prices shown are the respective legal fee. DPMA filing fees are shown separately and remitted directly to the Office. The DPMA charges €290 for up to three classes. From the fourth class, an additional €100 applies per class. The optional accelerated procedure costs an additional €200. Filing fees will be shown on the invoice.

Additional Services

Proceedings & Alternatives

DPMA
Opposition Proceedings
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EU · EUIPO
EU Trademark Registration
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mail_outline Prefer email? info@metzler-legal.de – reply on working days within 24 hours.

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