25. How does the requirement for filing 2 languages work?

For each CTM application to be filed a first and a second language has to be chosen. The choice of the first language can be any of the languages of the European Community countries. This language is used for filing the application (including the list of goods and services). The second language (used for opposition matters) has to be different from the first and must be one of the following:

1. English 2. French 3. German 4. Spanish 5. Italian

JMTC Trademark Protection files all the CTM applications in the following languages:

1. Dutch 2. English

This is done for strategic reasons in the best interest of the client. By filing in Dutch/English we reach a 99,99 % certainty that possible opposition proceedings will be done in English. This saves a considerable amount of time and costs for translation issues in the opposition proceedings such as translations of all observations, evidence and use materials etc.

Using French, German, Spanish or Italian as a second language (which is mostly done by offices from these countries if they use English as their first language) gives a significant risk of opposition proceedings in one of these languages.

We have experienced our language strategy as very valuable for the registration of Community Trademarks. If you have any questions on this, feel free to contact us.


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