How to register and monitor a trademark in Hungary
Applying for a trademark is a wise choice if you’re a business owner who wants to protect their reputation and that of their company. There are two ways to go about obtaining trademark protection in Hungary. Let’s look at them both below.
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Registering a Trademark in the EU
Your first option is to request trademark registration with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, which covers the 28 countries in the EU. This registration is valid for 10 years and typically takes less than a year to complete, un. It will cost around $2000 for this trademark registration, but it applies to the whole European Union and grants you the right to take legal action against anyone who illegally uses your business name or logo.
Registering Directly in Hungary
The other option is to opt for trademark registration only in Hungary. You need to request a trademark registration first and then wait for a trademark attorney to approve your request. This could take up to 10 months, though working with a trademark registration attorney present in the region, will very probably shorten the procedure. Upon approval, you will receive a certificate of trademark registration. Just like the EU trademark registration, your trademarked name in Hungary will be valid for 10 years.
Monitoring Your Trademark in Hungary
When you have your registered trademark, you should keep up with regular monitoring. This will ensure that there isn’t anyone out there trying to pass off their brand or products like yours. The Hungarian Intellectual Property Office is a resource that you can tap into for this. Besides helping you monitor your existing trademark, the Office’s website can clear up any confusion you might have about classification and more.
Considerations
Keep in mind that Hungary is a “first to file” jurisdiction, which means that you need to be the one to register a trademark if you want to use the legal rights to it, and it can’t already be in use. The Hungarian Intellectual Property Office is the primary resource for trademark registration, although there are other agencies out there that can help you out.
Trademarks that aren’t currently in use can be registered, but all registered trademarks must be used within five years to avoid cancellation.
Should You Choose Registration in Hungary or the EU?
You might be wondering if you should register your trademark in Hungary only or the entire European Union. The decision is ultimately up to you, so you should look at where you’re currently doing business and where you plan to go.
If you are operating exclusively in Hungary, then you should be fine obtaining trademark protection in that country only.
However, if you want to take your business to countries beyond Hungary, then it would be in your best interest to go for EU trademark protection.
The cost difference isn’t too substantial and it can give you more peace of mind knowing that you have ample protection. On the other hand, you will have to monitor your trademarked name and logo in many countries, which can be time consuming.
At the end of the day, there is no doubt that trademark protection is in your company’s best interest.
A trademarked name and/or logo lets your client base know that you are a serious enterprise and that you value your work.
It adds more professionalism to your interactions with customers and the public at large, as well as other entrepreneurs in your niche. Even if your business is young, it’s never too early to start thinking about trademark protection and putting your brand ahead of the competition.
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