Trademark registration in Poland: a comprehensive guide

Trademark registration in Poland: a comprehensive guide

If you are considering trademark registration in Poland, understanding the process, requirements, and benefits is essential for protecting your brand and ensuring exclusive rights in the Polish market. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of trademark filing in Poland, including why working with a Polish trademark attorney can streamline your application and maximize your brand’s legal security.

 

Why register a trademark in Poland?

A registered Polish trademark grants exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or other distinctive signs for specific goods or services throughout Poland. This legal protection helps prevent unauthorized use by competitors and reinforces your brand’s position in the market.

 

How to register a trademark in Poland

  1. Conduct a trademark search

Before filing a trademark in Poland, it is crucial to ensure your desired mark does not conflict with existing trademarks. However, searching the Polish Patent Office (PPO) online is not enough! Consulting a Polish trademark attorney can help you navigate this step and avoid costly disputes.

  1. Prepare the trademark application

Your trademark application must include:

  • Applicant’s name and address
  • A clear representation of the trademark (word, logo, or combined mark)
  • A list of goods and services, classified according to the Nice Classification
  • Payment of the official fees

Trademark applications can be submitted electronically via the Polish Patent Office’s online platform or in paper form.

  1. File the application with the Polish Patent Office

Trademark filing in Poland is done with the PPO (Urząd Patentowy Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej). After filing, your trademark will appear in the PPO’s e-search engine within about two weeks, making it visible to the public.

  1. Examination and publication

The PPO examines the application for formal correctness and absolute grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptiveness or lack of distinctiveness). If no issues are found, the trademark application is published in the Official Bulletin (BUP).

  1. Opposition period

There is a three-month opposition period after publication. During this time, third parties can oppose your trademark application if they believe it conflicts with their earlier rights.

  1. Registration and certificate

If no oppositions are filed or all objections are resolved, the PPO will grant trademark registration. You must pay the final registration and publication fees. The PPO then issues a paper certificate, confirming your registered Polish trademark, which is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

 

Types of trademarks eligible for registration in Poland

The most popular types of trademarks registered in Poland are:

  • Word marks (e.g., brands, company names)
  • Logos (graphic marks)
  • Combined word and graphic marks

More rarely, other types of trademarks are registered. For instance: three-dimensional, sound, motion, holographic, and color marks.

The mark must be distinctive and not directly descriptive of the goods or services.

 

Why use services of a Polish trademark attorney?

A qualified Polish trademark attorney ensures your application is correctly prepared, reducing the risk of refusal and objections. They can also represent you in opposition proceedings and advise on the best strategy for trademark protection in Poland.

 

Fees and timeline

  • Basic application fee: 400–450 PLN for one class (online/paper), plus 120 PLN for each additional class.
  • Basic registration fee: 490 PLN for first class, plus 400 PLN for each subsequent class.
  • Registration process: Typically takes 6–15 months, depending on the complexity and whether any oppositions arise.

 

Get expert help from Patentbox

Filing a trademark in Poland can be complex. PATENTBOX’s experienced Polish trademark attorneys guide you through every stage — from search and application to registration and enforcement — ensuring your trademark registration in Poland is smooth and successful.

For tailored advice and support with your trademark registration in Poland, contact PATENTBOX today!

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a qualified trademark attorney.

 

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