Intellectual Property Law · European Union
Stop a Conflicting Mark — or Defend Yours — With a Trademark Opposition Specialist
When a competitor files a mark too close to yours, or someone opposes your own application, you face strict deadlines and a formal procedure that turns on evidence. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who handles oppositions before national offices and the EUIPO every day.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Opposition specialists across the EU & EEA
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Who this is for
Opposition is where most trademark battles are won or lost
Trademark opposition is the formal procedure by which a party with an earlier right challenges a new trademark application before it can be registered. It exists in most jurisdictions and at the EUIPO, and it operates on tight, non-negotiable deadlines: miss the window to oppose, or to respond, and the chance may be gone. Oppositions are decided on the similarity of the marks, the similarity of the goods and services, and the strength of the earlier right — matters that are argued through written submissions and evidence rather than dramatic courtroom scenes. The outcome shapes the entire life of a brand, deciding whether your own mark proceeds to registration or a rival’s application is blocked. Early, informed action is decisive, because once a mark is registered, removing it becomes a heavier and costlier fight.
Why oppositions are lost
Oppositions are won on evidence and deadlines,
not on who feels wronged
The procedure is formal, fast and unforgiving — and acting too late or too casually usually means losing.
Missing the deadline
Opposition periods are typically short — often a matter of months — and once they close the application may proceed unchallenged. A single missed date can mean permanently living with a confusingly similar mark on the register.
Weak evidence of your rights
You must prove you hold an earlier right and that there is a likelihood of confusion. Owners who cannot document their mark’s use or registration history watch otherwise winnable oppositions fail.
Miscalculating the risk
Opposing the wrong mark, or defending without assessing the strength of the other side’s right, can waste money and — worse — create an unfavourable precedent for your own brand.
What you get
A specialist who fights the right battles, the right way
We match you with opposition lawyers who run proceedings before national offices and the EUIPO daily.
Merit assessment
Before you spend on a fight, your lawyer evaluates the strength of both marks, the goods involved and the likely outcome, and tells you honestly whether to oppose, defend, negotiate or stand down.
Deadline protection
Opposition and response deadlines are identified immediately and managed precisely on your behalf, so your rights are never lost to a missed date or an unnoticed notification.
Evidence & submissions
Your lawyer gathers and presents proof of your mark’s use and reputation, and drafts the written arguments that genuinely persuade examiners and the hearing officers.
Negotiated outcomes
Where a fight is unnecessary, your lawyer explores co-existence agreements and withdrawals that protect your position without the cost and uncertainty of a full decision.
Coverage
Opposition proceedings across Europe
Opposition procedures exist at national offices across Europe and at the EUIPO for EU trade marks, each with its own deadlines and rules. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Trademark opposition — common questions
What is a trademark opposition?
A trademark opposition is a formal procedure allowing a holder of an earlier right to challenge a new application before it is registered, arguing that the marks are confusingly similar for related goods or services. It is decided on written submissions and evidence, usually without a full court hearing.
How long do I have to oppose a trademark?
Opposition periods vary by jurisdiction — commonly around two to three months from publication at the EUIPO and in many European countries, though some are longer. Because the windows are short and absolute, acting promptly is essential.
What grounds can I oppose a trademark on?
The most common ground is a likelihood of confusion with your earlier mark for similar goods or services. Other grounds can include a well-known or reputed mark, bad faith, or a mark that is descriptive or non-distinctive. Your lawyer will identify which grounds apply.
What evidence do I need to oppose or defend?
Typically proof of your earlier right — such as a registration certificate — and evidence of use, reputation and the similarity of the marks and goods. The burden and detail required vary by ground, and gathering the right evidence early is often decisive.
Can I oppose an EU trade mark from any country?
An EU trade mark application is opposed before the EUIPO, and the procedure follows EUIPO rules and deadlines. You may oppose if you hold an earlier right in any member state, but you should confirm your standing with a lawyer before filing.
What happens if I lose an opposition?
If an opposition fails, the challenged application may proceed to registration, and you may face a decision on costs depending on the jurisdiction. In some cases there are routes to appeal, which a lawyer can assess against the strength of your position.
Free case review
In an opposition, acting early is everything
Tell us about the conflicting mark and we’ll connect you with a trademark opposition lawyer who runs proceedings before national offices and the EUIPO every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.