The most effective way to protect your company name and logo is trademark registration with an appropriate intellectual propert office. This process grants you strong, enforceable legal protection for your brand.
Below you’ll find a practical guide covering the essentials of company name and logo registration, the registration procedure, and the key benefits of obtaining a registered trademark.
A company name (as defined by the Polish Civil Code) gains basic protection upon being entered in the Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG) or National Court Register (KRS). However, such protection is often insufficient – especially if competitors use similar names.
The safest and most reliable solution is trademark registration. “Patenting a trademark,” as it is sometimes colloquially called, is actually about registering your company name as a trademark, since patents do not cover names or logos.
Registering your company name and logo as trademarks grants you exclusive rights to use those marks for specific goods and services within a defined territory.
Stronger enforcement of your rights in case of infringement.
Legal entitlement to use the ® symbol.
Increase in your business’s value – trademarks are often crucial business assets.
Protection not only from identical but also similar names or signs within the same industry.
Note: If you wish to protect both your name and logo, these must be filed as two separate trademark applications!
Trademark registration at the Polish Patent Office (UPRP) provides protection across the whole country. When applying to register a company name or logo as a trademark:
Indicate a single, specific mark to be protected – it shall usually be the distinctive element of the name (excluding the company’s legal status suffix).
Specify the goods and services, using the Nice Classification system.
Pay the required filing fees.
The process involves several stages:
The UPRP examines whether any absolute grounds for refusal exist.
The application is published in the Patent Office Bulletin.
There is a three-month opposition period.
Registration and issuance of the certificate of protection.
If there are no obstacles, the entire process typically takes about six months. For a detailed breakdown, see here.
EUIPO: Filing with the European Union Intellectual Property Office secures protection in all EU member states. The process is similar to the Polish procedure, but the certificate is issued electronically.
WIPO: International protection can be obtained through the Madrid System, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization. This requires a “basic trademark” registration in Poland or the EU.
With this mechanism, you can protect your brand in dozens of countries at once – an essential option for businesses planning international expansion.
Clients often ask about “patenting” a logo. In reality, patents are not granted for logos; their protection is secured through trademark registration. Logos are filed as figurative or word-figurative trademarks, which protects both the verbal and design elements of your brand.
To register your business name or logo as a trademark, you need to prepare:
A completed application form.
A list of goods and services to be protected.
A .jpg file of your logo (if filing for a figurative or word-figurative mark).
A power of attorney if a trademark attorney is representing you.
Government filing fees and (if applicable) stamp duty for the power of attorney.
Proper preparation of your trademark application is crucial – mistakes in specifying goods and services may limit your protection. That’s why working with a specialized IP law firm is the safest choice.
A qualified trademark attorney will:
Advise you whether to file your name as a word mark or a word-figurative mark.
Check for existing, conflicting trademarks by conducting a comprehensive trademark search.
Draft and file the application with the relevant office.
Handle opposition proceedings and, if needed, defend your application.
Registering your business with KRS or CEIDG provides minimal protection.
Real legal security for your business name or logo comes only from trademark registration
A well-developed brand protection strategy helps you avoid costly disputes and strengthens your market position.
If you’re wondering how to register your company name or logo effectively, contact our IP law firm. We’ll guide you through the procedure and help you obtain exclusive trademark rights. Contact us for a quote and advice!