The Community Trademark offers protection under a uniform law throughout the countries of the European Union (EU).

The Community Trademark may be used as any of a mark for products of a manufacturer or trading company, as a service mark or as a collective trade mark of an association or other collective body. It is valid for a period of ten years and is renewable indefinitely.

A single application is required for a Community Trademark, and the examination and registration procedure is performed by the Office for the Harmonisation of the Internal Market (OHIM). OHIM, which is based in the Spanish city of Alicante, also performs registration of the EU's Community Designs, applications for which have been accepted with effect from 01 April, 2003. Further information on Community Trademarks and Designs, and on OHIM’s activities is available from the OHIM web-site (see our links under 'services').