Trademark Registration in Spain- An Overview

Aspect Details
What is a Trademark? A trademark is a symbol, phrase, or word that identifies and distinguishes a specific product or service. It legally sets a product or service apart from others in the market and determines the ownership of the company’s brand.
Timeframe The time taken to obtain trademark registration in Spain is Six to Eight months.
Benefits
  • Exclusive Usage Rights
  • Legal Safeguard
  • Brand Identity Protection
  • Enhanced Business Value
  • Competitive Edge in the Market
  • Global Expansion Opportunities
  • Long-Term Security and Renewability
  • Right to Challenge Conflicting Trademarks
  • Exclusive Protection from Unauthorized Use
  • Clear Brand Positioning
  • Boost in Business Valuation
  • Customs Enforcement Support
  • Legal Ownership Recognition
  • Freedom to Assign or Transfer Rights
  • Enhanced Consumer Trust
Types of Trademark Registration
  • Denominative (Word Marks)
  • Figurative (Logo Marks)
  • Three-Dimensional Marks
  • Position Marks
  • Pattern Marks
  • Movement Marks
  • Sound Marks
  • Color Marks
  • Hologram Marks
  • Multimedia Marks
Documentation Requirements
  • Applicant’s name and address
  • Trademark representation
  • List of goods/services
  • Power of attorney
  • Priority document
  • Certified copy of foreign registration
Who Can Register?
  • Spanish Citizens
  • Legal Entities (Businesses & Organizations)
  • Foreign Individuals & Companies
  • Foreign Applicants Based on International Agreements
  • Joint Applicants
  • Public Institutions & Government Bodies
Procedure
  • Preliminary Spain Trademark Search
  • Determine the Class of Goods or Services
  • Filing the Application
  • Formal Examination by the SPTO
  • Opposition Period
  • Granting of the Registration Certificate
How Can We Help You?
  • Expert Legal Consultation
  • Comprehensive Trademark Search
  • Accurate Classification of Goods/Services
  • Document Preparation & Filing
  • Monitoring and Handling Oppositions
  • End to end Post-Registration Services
  • 24/7 Legal Support

Strengthen Your Brand with Trademark Licensing in Spain

Expand your market reach while maintaining full control over your brand identity. Trademark licensing in Spain helps you protect your intellectual property and build a strong commercial presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic environments.

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Understanding Trademark Registration in Spain

Trademark registration in Spain is a vital step for any business looking to protect its brand from misuse, imitation, or counterfeiting. By securing a trademark, businesses gain exclusive rights to use their name, logo, or slogan, helping them stand out in a competitive market. This not only builds brand recognition but also offers legal protection against unauthorized use by third parties.

Spain, with a population of over 46 million, is the fourth-largest economy in the European Union and a strategic location for business expansion. Given its economic strength and consumer market potential, it is strongly recommended that businesses operating in Spain obtain trademark registration. The process begins by filing an application with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), following the Nice Classification system that categorizes goods and services for trademark purposes.

Enterslice offers end-to-end assistance with the trademark registration process in Spain. Our services include trademark search and consultation, preparation and submission of documents, filing with SPTO, and monitoring the application status. We also assist with addressing objections or oppositions, if any arise, and provide post-registration support such as renewals and licensing. With our legal expertise and local knowledge, we ensure a smooth and compliant registration experience for your brand in Spain.

Multiple Class Applications

10 years validity

Nice Classification

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

100% success rate

Benefits of Trademark Filing in Spain

The list of benefits of trademark filing in Spain is as follows:

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Exclusive Usage Rights

Trademark registration in Spain grants the owner the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with specific goods or services, preventing others from using a similar or identical mark without permission.

International Expansion

Legal Safeguard

Trademark filing in Spain provides a strong legal foundation to enforce rights against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through courts and relevant authorities.

Business Growth

Brand Identity Protection

Trademark registration protects your brand's name, logo, and identity, ensuring that customers can easily distinguish your products or services from competitors.

Exclusive Rights

Enhanced Business Value

A registered trademark is an intangible asset that adds value to your business, making it more attractive to investors, partners, and potential buyers. It is one of the significant benefits of trademark registration in Spain.

Avoid Duplication

Competitive Edge in the Market

Trademark protection in Spain strengthens your position in the marketplace by building customer loyalty and trust, giving you an advantage over unregistered competitors.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Global Expansion Opportunities

Trademark registration in Spain also facilitates international brand protection, especially through mechanisms like the Madrid System, making it easier to expand globally.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Long-Term Security and Renewability

Once registered, a trademark in Spain can be renewed indefinitely every ten years, offering long-term brand protection and business continuity.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Right to Challenge Conflicting Trademarks

Trademark owners are legally entitled to oppose the registration of new marks that are identical or confusingly similar to their own, protecting brand integrity and market space.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Exclusive Protection from Unauthorized Use

Trademark registration in Spain empowers the owner to prevent unauthorized third parties from using similar marks that could mislead consumers or dilute the brand's identity.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Clear Brand Positioning

Trademark registration in Spain helps distinguish your products or services from competitors, enhancing visibility, customer recognition, and trust in the marketplace.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Boost in Business Valuation

As an intellectual property asset, a trademark can significantly increase a business's worth and be monetized through licensing, franchising, or sale.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Customs Enforcement Support

Trademark owners can record their rights with customs authorities, allowing border control to block the entry of counterfeit or infringing goods into the market.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Legal Ownership Recognition

Trademark protection in Spain provides a formal, legal presumption of ownership, making enforcement easier and more efficient in legal disputes.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Freedom to Assign or Transfer Rights

Registered trademarks can be transferred or assigned at the owner’s discretion, offering strategic flexibility in managing business or IP portfolios.

Valuable Marketing Asset

Enhanced Consumer Trust

Consumers are more likely to trust brands with registered trademarks, as they represent legitimacy, consistency, and legal protection in the marketplace.

How to Register a Trademark in Spain?

The step-by-step procedure to register a trademark in Spain is as follows:

Preliminary Spain Trademark Search

Firstly, the applicant needs to conduct a preliminary Spain trademark search to check the availability of the trademark in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM). This step will reduce the risk of future opposition or potential conflicting trademarks.

Determine the Class of Goods or Services

Followed by identifying the appropriate class or classes under the Nice Classification system. This classification helps define the scope of protection for your trademark, whether it's for goods, services, or both.

Filing the Application

Once the classification is determined, the applicant must file a Spain trademark application with the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (SPTO). The application should include a clear representation of the trademark, a description of the goods or services, full applicant details, and, if applicable, an authorisation signed by the applicant’s representative.

Formal Examination by the SPTO

After submission, the SPTO examines the application to ensure all formal requirements and technical standards are met. If everything is in order, the trademark is published in the Official Industrial Property Gazette (BOPI).

Opposition Period

A two-month opposition period begins after publication. During this time, third parties may file objections or observations against the trademark registration. If no opposition is raised, the SPTO then checks the trademark against the absolute grounds for refusal under Spain’s Trademarks Law 17/2001.

Granting of the Registration Certificate

If no grounds for refusal are found and no valid opposition is filed, the SPTO issues the Trademark Registration Certificate, officially registering the mark in Spain.

Timeline for Spain Trademark Registration Process

The timeline for the Spain trademark registration process approximately takes 6 to 8 months, depending on the case by case:

Day 1: Application Filing

Submit your application to the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (SPTO), including all necessary documents and details.

Week 1–2: Formal Examination

SPTO reviews the application for completeness and compliance with formal requirements.

Week 3: Publication in BOPI

If the application passes formal checks, the trademark is published in the Official Industrial Property Gazette (BOPI).

Months 1–2: Opposition Period

A 2-month window begins, during which third parties can file objections or oppositions.

Months 3–4: Substantive Examination

If no opposition is filed (or opposition is resolved), SPTO reviews the trademark for absolute grounds for refusal under Spanish law.

Month 5–6: Registration & Certificate Issuance

Once approved, the Trademark Registration Certificate is issued, and the trademark is officially registered in Spain.

Documents Required to Register a Trademark in Spain

The list of documents required to register a trademark in Spain is given below:

Name and address of the applicant

A clear representation of the trademark

A list of goods or services

A power of attorney

A priority document

A certified copy of any foreign registration

Is Trademark Licensing in Spain Eligible for Renewal?

Trademark protection in Spain is initially granted for a ten-year period starting from the filing date. After this period, trademark licensing in Spain can be renewed indefinitely in successive ten-year intervals, provided all legal conditions are met. Trademark owners must file for renewal within six months before the expiration date. However, if this window is missed, Spain offers a six-month grace period after the expiry, during which the trademark can still be renewed by paying an additional surcharge. Failure to renew within this grace period will result in the removal of the trademark from the register, and the loss of legal protection.

To ensure uninterrupted protection, it is important for trademark holders to track renewal deadlines carefully and file on time. The system provides flexibility while encouraging timely renewals to maintain exclusive rights over the brand.

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Types of Trademark Registration in Spain

Before submitting a Spain trademark application, the applicant must identify the appropriate type of trademark registration that best suits their business identity and needs. Below is an overview of the different types of trademarks available in Spain:

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Denominative (Word Marks)

Protects brand names in plain text without design elements, like the word "Nike" in a standard font.

Figurative (Logo Marks)

Covers graphic designs or logos without words, such as Apple's bitten apple symbol.

Three-Dimensional Marks

Safeguards the unique 3D shape of products or packaging, like the Coca-Cola bottle's distinctive contour.

Position Marks

Protects how a mark is specifically placed on products, such as Adidas stripes on shoe sides.

Pattern Marks

Registers repeating decorative designs, exemplified by Burberry's signature check pattern.

Movement Marks

Covers animated or moving elements, like the animated Nokia handshake logo.

Sound Marks

Protects recognizable audio signatures, such as the MGM lion's roar or Intel's chime.

Color Marks

Registers distinctive single colors or color combinations, like Tiffany's robin's-egg blue.

Hologram Marks

Protects changing holographic images often used for security, like those on credit cards.

Multimedia Marks

Combines protection for both audio and visual elements, such as Netflix's animated intro with sound.

Who Can Register a Trademark in Spain?

To register a trademark in Spain, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Below is a checklist of who can apply for trademark registration:

  • Spanish Citizens :- Any natural person (individual) of legal age who is a Spanish citizen can register a trademark for commercial, industrial, professional, or service-related activities.
  • Legal Entities (Businesses & Organizations) :- Companies, corporations, partnerships, associations, and other registered legal entities operating in Spain are eligible to apply.
  • Foreign Individuals & Companies :- Non-Spanish individuals and businesses can register a trademark in Spain, but those outside the EU/EEA must appoint a local Spanish trademark attorney or representative.
  • Foreign Applicants Based on International Agreements:- Nationals or entities from countries that have reciprocal trademark agreements with Spain may also register trademarks under applicable treaties (e.g., the Madrid Protocol).
  • Joint Applicants:- Multiple individuals or entities can jointly apply for and own a trademark registration in Spain.
  • Public Institutions & Government Bodies:- Government agencies, public organizations, and municipalities may register trademarks for official use or public services.

Industries Required to Register a Trademark in Spain

The list of industries required to register a trademark in Spain is as follows-

Industries Seeking Trademark Registration in Spain

  • Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products
  • Food & Beverage (PDO/PGI Products)
  • Financial & Insurance Services
  • Luxury Goods & Fashion
  • Technology & Software
  • Automotive & Engineering
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Cosmetics & Beauty Products
  • Construction & Building Materials
  • Renewable Energy & Sustainability

Business Types Needing Trademark Protection in Spain

  • Food & Beverage Startups
  • Tech & App Developers
  • Fashion & Accessory Brands
  • Healthcare & Wellness Companies
  • Real Estate & Property Developers
  • Beauty & Skincare Brands
  • Hospitality Businesses
  • Automotive & EV Companies
  • Entertainment & Media
  • E-commerce & Retail Stores

List of Compliances Post Trademark Registration in Spain

The post-registration compliances for trademark registration in Spain are as discussed below:

  • Renew trademarks every 10 years with the SPTO
  • Demonstrate genuine commercial use within 5 years of registration
  • Draft and record licensing agreements with the SPTO
  • Authorize third-party usage through formal agreements
  • Monitor for unauthorized use and enforce rights when needed
  • Report ownership changes to SPTO
  • Maintain international registrations linked to Spanish trademarks
  • Keep dated records for potential litigation
  • Claim applicable IP tax benefits
  • Ensure licensees maintain brand quality standards
  • Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines
  • Preserve evidence of continuous trademark use
  • Update SPTO on any business name/address changes
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Why Trust Enterslice for Trademark Registration in Spain?

With specialized expertise in pan-European IP law, Enterslice delivers streamlined trademark registration services in Spain through our team of seasoned legal professionals. We transform complex registration processes into efficient, compliant solutions that align with both Spain's Trademark Law and EU regulations. Discover why international brands consistently rely on Enterslice for comprehensive Spanish trademark protection-

  • 99% Success Rate in Trademark Applications Across Spain and the EU
  • Free Preliminary Trademark Search to Check Brand Availability in Spain
  • Timely Filing of Applications and Trademark Renewal in Spain
  • Strategic Advantage Through EU-Wide Protection via Spain Registration
  • 100% Compliance with Spain’s IP Framework and EUIPO Guidelines
  • A Dedicated Support Team is Available 24/7 for All Client Queries
  • Custom Legal Advice for National and International Trademark Portfolios
  • Transparent and Affordable Pricing with No Hidden Charges
  • Proactive Renewal Reminders with 98% Client Satisfaction Rate to Safeguard Your Trademark Rights

FAQs on Spain Trademark Registration Process

A trademark is a distinctive sign or symbol that identifies a company’s products or services in the market and distinguishes them from those of its competitors. In Spain, when registering a trademark, you must select the appropriate classes of goods or services according to the Nice Classification system.

The different types of trademarks are word marks, figurative marks, shape marks, position marks, pattern marks, colour marks, sound marks, motion marks, multimedia marks, hologram marks, etc.

In Spain, trademark registration is valid for ten years from the date of application. It can be renewed indefinitely as long as the renewal fees are paid on time.

When you register a trademark in Spain, your mark will be protected in Spain’s national territory, including mainland, Balearic and Canary Islands and Ceuta and Melilla cities.

The different types of trademarks that are non-registrable are as follows:

  • Marks that threaten the Public Order
  • Marks that are scandalous or immoral
  • Generic terms
  • Symbols and flags of nations, states, regions
  • Symbols and flags of international organization
  • Marks that are lacking in distinctiveness
  • Marks that are known as geographical location

The list of advantages of trademark registration in Spain is mentioned below-

  • Exclusive Usage Rights
  • Legal Safeguard
  • Brand Identity Protection
  • Enhanced Business Value
  • Competitive Edge in the Market
  • Global Expansion Opportunities
  • Long-Term Security and Renewability
  • Right to Challenge Conflicting Trademarks
  • Exclusive Protection from Unauthorized Use
  • Clear Brand Positioning
  • Boost in Business Valuation
  • Customs Enforcement Support
  • Legal Ownership Recognition
  • Freedom to Assign or Transfer Rights
  • Enhanced Consumer Trust

In Spain, it is mandatory to use a registered trademark within five years of receiving the registration certificate. If the trademark is not used in connection with the goods or services it was registered for, third parties may request the cancellation of the trademark due to non-use.

There are three routes to obtain trademark registration in Spain:

  • Trademark national application with the SPTO
  • Filing a European Trademark Application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
  • Filing of Trademark international registration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The list of people entitled to oppose the trademark jurisdiction in Spain is as follows:

  • Any natural or legal person with an absolute ground for refusal
  • The owners of earlier registered trademarks
  • The persons entitled to exercise the rights derived from geographical indications and designations of origin
  • The corresponding trademark owner when his agent or representative is trying to illegitimately register his trademark under his name

No, it is not mandatory to have a trademark to operate a business in Spain, but having a registered trademark will protect and safeguard your brand and eliminate the possibility of being used by competitors.

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