Trademark watching service

A trademark registration gives you a legal basis to take action against unauthorized use of your trademark. But you need to know when someone applies for a potentially conflicting trademark. A trademark watching service helps you keep track of new applications that may affect your rights.

Why have your trademark watched?

A potential conflict does not have to involve an identical trademark name. A similar trademark for identical or similar goods or services may also pose a risk. This depends on factors such as the similarity between the trademarks and the likelihood of confusion among the public.

The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) do not refuse an application on their own initiative because it conflicts with your earlier trademark. As the trademark owner, you therefore need to take action if you wish to object.

How does trademark watching work?

With a watching subscription, we monitor new trademark applications daily within the agreed territory and for the relevant goods and services.

1. Identify. We look for new applications for identical or similar trademarks.
2. Assess. We review relevant results and inform you of potential conflicts, with advice on the options for taking action.
3. Decide on action. Together, we discuss the appropriate next step, such as contacting the applicant or filing an opposition.

An alert does not automatically mean that infringement has occurred or that action is likely to succeed. We assess the application in light of your trademark rights and interests.

Objecting on time

An opposition allows you to object to the registration of a later trademark based on your earlier rights. Fixed deadlines apply:

• Benelux trademark application: two months from publication of the application.
• EU trademark application: three months from publication of the application.

Different deadlines may apply to other registration routes. We assess the applicable deadline for each alert. Early identification gives you time to discuss your options and make a decision.

What does the service cover?

You can choose watching services for the Benelux, the European Union, Europe, or worldwide. At the outset, we agree which countries and trademark registers the selected service covers.

Trademark watching focuses on new trademark applications. It is not a comprehensive check of trademark use on websites, social media, or in the marketplace. If you identify potentially infringing use yourself, please let us know as well.

Trademark watching fees

The fees below apply per trademark name, per year, and for up to three classes of goods and services. They are based on 2026 prices.

Canceling your subscription

To cancel your watching subscription, please notify us before November 1 of the current year.

Want to know more?

Want to find out which watching service suits your trademark and your plans? Contact us for more information or a no-obligation consultation.