A trademark is a recognisable sign, design or any other expression which identifies and distinguishes product or services of a particular provider from those of other providers.

 
Examination

The Swedish Patent Office is one of the few patent offices in the European Union which still examines applications towards earlier rights. This examination is made also towards Community trademarks and international registrations designating Sweden. An applicant is thus more likely to receive an official action in Sweden compared to most other European Union countries. On the other hand a Swedish registration is “stronger” compared to a registration issued after only an examination towards absolute obstacles. When concerning the required level of distinctiveness, it would be fair to say that the level in Sweden is basically the same as is the case for Community trademarks.

 
Clearance searches

It is useful to perform a clearance search prior to filing an application in Sweden. We always perform at least an identity search prior to filing an application at no additional cost. We always inform our clients prior to filing an application in cases where we believe the level of distinctiveness to be too low for acceptance by the Patent Office. There could also be the question whether a foreign word or an invented word may have negative linguistic aspect in the Swedish language, which would render the mark inappropriate in Sweden.

 
Different ways to file

It is possible to obtain trademark protection in Sweden through either national applications, Community trademarks or international registrations designating Sweden. Our firm has a number of attorneys authorized to file Community trademarks. We further have a thorough knowledge and experience when concerning filing of international registrations. We are always at our client’s disposal to provide cost quotations in connection with the filing of trademarks applications. 

 
Renewals

A Swedish trademark registration is valid 10 years from the application date. A soon as a Registration Certificate is issued we docket the renewal deadline and endeavour to send the client a timely renewal request with a cost quotation.

 
Refusals of protection

We have a vast experience in stepping in as representatives in connection with international registrations designating Sweden filed by foreign applicants when a refusal of protection is issued by the Swedish Patent Office. If so requested we are always willing to perform a minor initial legal evaluation of the applicant’s chances of success with responding to the refusal at no cost. We further always provide the client with recommendations on the best way to proceed.

Ehrner & Delmar Patentbyrå AB
Götgatan 78 
118 30 Stockholm
Sweden

T:   +46 (0)8–528 025 00
E:   info@ehrner-delmar.com