Trademark Registration in Hungary
We offer intellectual property (IP) legal services in Hungary including Hungarian trademark registrations and related trademark attorney services. As chartered Hungarian trademark agents and trademark lawyers we offer an uncomplicated, personal, non-technical registration process.
Even if Hungary is a relatively safe country in terms of intellectual property rights, foreign businesses that commence business operations in Hungary should protect their brands with Hungarian trademarks. There are basically three different ways for obtaining a trademark covering Hungary. One can either apply for a national trademark, for the European Union trademark, or file an international trademark application designating Hungary.
Hungarian national trademark
If you have an important European trademark, it may be advantageous to file a parallel Hungarian trademark application. If the EU mark is attacked, which is quite common, then the Hungarian mark still remains enforceable. It is issued for a term of 10 years starting from the date of the trademark registration. The national trade mark is generally also the best option when a business based in or is expanding only to Hungary. The term of registration may be renewed for a new ten-year term an unlimited number of times.
International trademark designating Hungary
Hungary is member of the Madrid Protocol and of the Madrid Agreement and can be selected in a trademark application at WIPO. If you encounter a provisional refusal, we can help you to analyse the situation and possibly also to solve it.
The trademark Registration process in six steps in Hungary
First, receipt of your mark / brand or logo followed by …
Finalizing the list of goods and services of the trademark
Following that, payment of the trademark application fee
Soon after, receipt of a Power of Attorney from you and – if needed – carrying out an optional trademark search
Trademark application at the HIPO online
In case of a smooth application, registration of the trademark within six months, receipt of the electronic Certificate of Registration from the HIPO
The Hungarian trademark registration procedure in more detail
Regular Process
The registration process relating to trademarks in Hungary starts with filing a trademark application with the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office. In addition to the details of the applicant, the application contains information concerning the trademark to be protected and the goods or services for which the trademark is to be protected. During the application process, the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office examines whether the Hungarian trademark fees have been paid and if the trademark is registrable. In case the patent office discovers obstacles for the trademark, it issues an official action that needs to be responded to within the prescribed time. The most typical obstacles for trademark registrations include the following:
The trademark lacks distinguishing ability
The trademark may be confused with another trademark or business name registered earlier
The trademark is somebody’s last name
The trademark is geographically misleading.
Accelerated process
There are two types of urgent registration procedures at Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO). The regular accelerated procedure costs the same as the application fee so as a result you have to pay double and have a slightly faster procedure – 5 months instead of 6-8 months. What really makes sense is the extra accelerated procedure. Although this costs 150% of the application fee, so as a result you pay 250% of the application fee, the mark will be registered at the time of publication. The registration is therefore very fast, it could be in less than one or two months, after the examination phase and before opposition. Should the Hungarian trademark be opposed, the registration will be cancelled as long as the opposition will be adjudged.
Trademark search in Hungary
For branding you can surely rely on your own market knowledge and market search. A trademark search in Hungary is of course also important before the application. Basically you should expect trademark oppositions from your competitors with similar marks. If you are not familiar with the Hungarian market, we can help you out and run some specific internet searches to list your competitors. As a result, at the day of application, you will know how risky a Hungarian trademark application is. Ultimately it is your decision to take business risks. It is our task to clear you up about them. Obviously, if a mark is risky, you can wait until the end of the opposition period before investing in it.
Hungarian Trademark Fees – Clear & Fixed –
Hungarian trademark application in one class of goods / services
HUF 60 000
The sign can be a word or device mark, or a more special sign
We never charge for the registration of the trademark, nor does the HIPO
This is the statutory fee what we pay as the HIPO’s Hungarian trademark fee. Please ask for our fees
Trademark application in Hungary in several classes
from HUF 80 000
Two classes: HUF 80 000
Three classes: HUF 110 000
Additional class(es) over three: HUF 40 000
The legal fees and representation before the office, are not included
Renewal of a Hungarian trademark in one class of goods / services
HUF 60 000
Our fee is not included but we never charge legal fees for receipt, checking or forwarding of the Certificate of Registration
The official Hungarian trademark renewal fee includes all foreseeable official costs
Taking over HIPO representation
– ask for a quote-
Available before or after application of the trademark at the HIPO
As trademark attorneys and representatives will get back to you soon and provide you with a competitive quote
Professional trademark search IN HUNGARY
– ask for a quote –
This extended search includes hits that may be confusingly similar in the HIPO, EUIPO and WIPO registries
We gladly check if your mark has been registered by the HIPO, with a free trademark search. This should only serve as a starting point
Oppositions, assignments, cancellations, refusals
– ask for a quote –
Defense and offense
Or to overcome an ex officio refusal
To record a transfer or assignment or a change of name or change of address at the HIPO
Hungarian Trademark – Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
To file a Hungarian trademark application we do need a Power of Attorney (PoA) or authorization. The PoA needs to be signed and scanned, the HIPO does not require any legalization or original copies normally. We also need the full name, address, postal code of the applicant and the list of products / services.
Yes, the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office allow for the POA to be late filed, normally within a month. This allows us to start the trademark application process right away, without waiting for the written POA.
It is really not about the number of goods, but to have a coverage. Above all, the goods / services must be covered that you will use in the next few years for sure. It also makes sense to take a step back a little and think in categories, not just about the current product line.
The biggest pitfall of them all is lack of individual character. For instance, if the trademark is descriptive, it will not function as a brand properly and will be refused by the HIPO. In other words, if you seek a Hungarian trademark registration you have to come up with something. On the other side, the second biggest pitfall is a conflicting earlier mark. Later, this could lead to the cancellation of the trademark. However, this risk can be minimized by trademark and market search.
The protection lasts ten years and can be renewed again and again. We would gladly assist you in the renewal of your trademark. If you want to renew a Hungarian trademark, you should consult us in due course. It only makes sense to renew a trademark if there is a commercial purpose of it. The renewal process is fairly simple, however, close attention must be paid to the deadlines and formalities.
Official fees of the HIPO have zero VAT.
As far as we know, the prices for Hungarian trademarks are not low. Obtaining a trademark in Hungary in not cheap, neither nominally, nor in comparison with the GDP. It is still a good option parallel to a European trademark if you expect that your EU mark will be attacked by means of an opposition or cancellation action.
Almost any natural or legal person, irrespective of nationality or place of business, including authorities established under public law.
No. The Hungarian trademark system is harmonized in the EU but it is still unique and has some special features and particularities. Not all marks may be eligible to be protected as a Hungarian trademark even if they are registered as trademarks elsewhere. It is therefore essential to consult an experienced trademark attorney before the trademark application.