region notes
Direct Filing Countries
The following countries allow direct filing:
Gibraltar
Malta
San Marino
Serbia and Montenegro
Cautionary Notice Countries
A number of countries have not adopted set governmental procedures for intellectual property rights, particularly with regard to trademark registration. In those countries, advertisement in the major daily publication provides applicants with necessary rights. The Cautionary Notice countries in the region:
San Marino
Serbia and Montenegro
The 25-nation European Union dominates the development of intellectual property in Europe. Along with the United States, it has been the driving force in the evolution of national and international intellectual property. The EU has allowed for the registration of Community Trade Marks (CTMs) since 1995 and for registered and unregistered Community Designs since 2002. For more information, click here.
The EU expanded from 15 to 25 members in May 2004. Most European countries that remain outside of the EU come from the former Soviet bloc, where intellectual property laws are generally quite new. The notable exceptions are Norway and Switzerland. Both nations have adopted intellectual property laws that are similar to EU regulations, although neither nation has thus far sought to join the Union.
To view the requirements for Community Trade Marks, click here.