OHIM - trade marks in the EU

The Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market was established by Council Regulation of 20 December 1993. The OHIM carries out registration procedures for Community trade marks and in the near future, for Community designs.

The Community trade mark is a gateway to a single market. The unitary nature of the Community trade mark, which covers all the countries of the European Union, means that formalities and management can be kept simple: a single application, a single administrative centre and a single file to be managed. A uniform law applies to trade marks, thereby providing strong and unique protection throughout the European Union.

OAMI-ONLINE, the Office website, includes all kinds of useful information on the Community trade mark system. The Office also publishes its own monthly Official Journal and a weekly Bulletin of Community trade marks, together with other paper and electronic publications.

http://europa.eu.int/agencies/ohim/index_en.htm