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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Trademark a Name?

In the US, it typically takes 12-18 months to register a trademark for a name. However, this is just an estimate based on the accuracy of the application, potential legal challenges, and the workload at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

How long it takes to trademark a name internationally

Trademarking a name internationally isn't a quick process—it requires patience and planning. The timeline depends on a few factors, including how complicated your application is and the processing times in each country where you're filing. Different countries have their own trademark offices and procedures, so there’s no universal timeline.

That being said, the overall process is similar to what you’d experience with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). On average, it can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. Some countries may move faster, while others could take even longer. For example, countries with rigorous examination processes or heavy backlogs may extend the timeline.

Additionally, if any objections or oppositions arise—whether from examiners or other trademark owners—these can further delay the process. Working with experienced professionals who can guide you through each step, ensures your application is as strong as possible and helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Remember, international trademarking requires careful consideration of the jurisdictions that matter most to your business. And strategic planning can save you time and frustration in the long run.

As a guide, we have provided the following based on our experience. Please remember this can vary based on your situation and current backlogs in the various locations.

Country

Time to Registration (Months)

Afghanistan

3-6

Albania

6-9

Algeria

12-24

Andorra

Angola

9-12

Antigua and Barbuda

36

Argentina

18

Armenia

10-12

Aruba

10-14

Australia

7-12

Austria

3-6

Azerbaijan

26-29

Bahamas

36-48

Bahrain

14-18

Bangladesh

24

Barbados

8-14

Belarus

12-30

Belgium (BENELUX)

Belize

6-12

Benelux

3-4

Bhutan

6-7

Bolivia

8-12

Bosnia and Herzegovina

12-24

Botswana

Brazil

24-30

Brunei

24

Bulgaria

12-18

Burundi

9-12

Cape Verde

9-12

Cambodia

12

Cameroon

6

Canada

12-18

Chile

8

China

18-20

Colombia

6-10

Costa Rica

6-10

Croatia

Cuba

Curacao

Cyprus

Czech Republic

8

Denmark

Dominican Republic

6-8

Ecuador

7-8

Egypt

18-24

El Salvador

9-12

Estonia

10-14

Ethiopia

24-30

European Union

8-12

Falkland Islands

Fiji

Finland

France

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

3-6

Ghana

18-30

Greece

6-12

Grenada

12-18

Guatemala

6-8

Guyana

6-9

Haiti

9-12

Honduras

8-12

Hong Kong

9-12

Hungary

7

Iceland

India

8-12

Indonesia

36

Iran

8-12

Iraq

18-36

Ireland

Israel

17

Italy

Jamaica

12-18

Japan

8

Jordan

8-12

Kazakhstan

9

Kenya

10-16

Kiribati

Kosovo

Kuwait

9-12

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

14

Latvia

Lebanon

2

Lesotho

3 years

Libya

24

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg (BENELUX)

Macau

Macedonia (FYROM)

Madagascar

12

Malawi

6-9

Malaysia

10-12

Maldives

Malta

Mauritius

12-18

Mexico

4-6

Moldova

Monaco

Mongolia

7

Montenegro

Montserrat

Morocco

3-5

Mozambique

24-36

Myanmar (Burma)

Namibia

24

Nepal

12-15

Netherlands (BENELUX)

New Zealand

6-12

Nicaragua

10

Nigeria

18

North Korea

Norway

4-6

Oman

10-12

Pakistan

24-36

Panama

10-12

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

15

Peru

5-6

Philippines

10

Poland

Portugal

4

Puerto Rico

Qatar

12-16

Romania

Russia

12-14

Rwanda

3

Samoa

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

3-4

Saudi Arabia

5-7

Serbia

Seychelles

8-12

Singapore

6-12

Slovakia

6-18

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Africa

24

South Korea

9-12

Spain

Sri Lanka

8 yr

Sudan

15-28

Suriname

12-18

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

4

Syria

8-12

Taiwan

8-12

Tajikistan

Tanzania

5-6

Thailand

20-24

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

12-18

Tunisia

12-14

Turkey

8-10

Turks and Caicos Islands

9-12

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Uganda

24

Ukraine

20-24

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

10-12

United Kingdom (UK)

4-6

Uruguay

14-18

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Venezuela

15-18

Vietnam

15-18

Yemen

10-12

Zambia

6-12

Zimbabwe

8-13

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