Accelerated procedure for registering trade marks introduced in Estonia

As of 12 October 2020, the Estonian Patent Office allows filing of trade mark applications pursuant to the new accelerated procedure, provided they fit the relevant criteria. The service aims to shorten the processing and examination time of noncomplex applications with the Patent Office promising to issue a decision on formalities and absolute grounds within 3 to 4 weeks from filing.

In order to be eligible for the accelerated procedure, the application must fulfil the following conditions:

• the trade mark must be a word, figurative (including verbal elements) or shape mark;
• the goods and services must be selected from the harmonised database TMclass and the list may contain up to 60 names;
• the application must be filed electronically via the Patent Office’s e-services portal, and the state fee must be paid immediately.

It is further worth noting that the application may not be made for collective or certification marks, cannot contain a priority claim, and if the mark is a figurative mark, it is not possible to claim colours.

There is no additional fee for requesting accelerated procedure and, should the application not fulfil the relevant criteria, the regular procedure will be applied instead.

Further information is available on the Estonian Patent Office’s website (in English).