Trademark Protection Systems — A Practical Guide
Registering a trademark gives you the legal tools to prevent others from using your brand. But before you file, it is worth understanding that trademark protection is territorial — the system you choose determines where your rights apply. There are three main options, each with its own rules, scope, and cost structure.
1. National Protection
National registration protects your trademark in a single country. Each country has its own intellectual property office responsible for examining and granting trademark rights.
Where to file
In Poland, applications are handled by the Polish Patent Office (PPO). Its website provides guidance for applicants in both Polish and English, including application templates and information on filing requirements.
Scope of protection
A successful application results in exclusive trademark rights within the territory of Poland.
Fees
The application fee is PLN 400 (electronic filing) or PLN 450 (paper filing) for a single Nice class. Each additional class costs PLN 120. A full schedule of fees for non-standard services is available on the PPO website.
2. Regional Protection
Regional systems allow you to obtain trademark protection across multiple countries through a single application filed with one office. The most widely used regional system for Polish applicants is EU trademark protection.
Where to file
EU trademarks are handled by EUIPO — the European Union Intellectual Property Office. The EUIPO website provides application templates, a fee calculator, and full procedural guidance. In addition to the standard procedure, EUIPO offers a Fast Track option for eligible applications, which can significantly reduce processing time.
Scope of protection
A single application covers all EU Member States. No further validation in individual countries is required — rights take effect from the date EUIPO grants the registration.
Fees
The base fee for an electronic application is EUR 850 for one Nice class. Filing in person at the EUIPO’s offices in Alicante costs EUR 150 more. Additional classes are subject to extra fees, which can be calculated using the tool on the EUIPO website.
3. International Protection
The Madrid System allows you to seek trademark protection in up to 130 contracting states through a single international application, administered by WIPO — the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Where to file
If Poland is your country of origin, your international application must first be submitted to the Polish Patent Office, which forwards it to the WIPO International Bureau in Geneva. Applications must be filed in English or French using Form MM2, available on the WIPO website. WIPO carries out a formal examination before transmitting the application to the national offices of your designated countries, each of which then assesses the application under its own national law. Protection in any given country takes effect only once that country’s office issues a positive decision.
Scope of protection
You select your target countries from the pool of Madrid System contracting states. Protection is activated separately in each country following the national examination process.
Fees
For applicants based in Poland, the first payment — PLN 600 — is made to the Polish Patent Office. A further fee of CHF 653 (black-and-white mark) or CHF 903 (colour mark) is payable to WIPO. Additional charges apply for applications covering more than three Nice classes. Full fee schedules are available on the WIPO website.
Choosing the Right System
The right system depends on where your customers are — and where you plan to grow. Key factors include the markets in which your goods or services will be available, the registrability requirements in each target country, and the overall cost-effectiveness of protection in a given territory. Trademark strategy is worth thinking through carefully from the outset: errors made at the filing stage can be difficult and costly to correct, and in the worst case may put your brand’s reputation at risk.