{"id":3386,"date":"2025-09-08T06:33:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T06:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/?page_id=3386"},"modified":"2026-04-23T08:17:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T08:17:36","slug":"registration-in-italy-of-trademarks-of-foreign-companies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/corporate\/registration-in-italy-of-trademarks-of-foreign-companies\/","title":{"rendered":"Registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies"},"content":{"rendered":"
Investments and Real Estate<\/div>\n

Registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies<\/h1>\n
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The registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies<\/strong> is a decisive step for those who intend to develop their business in our country or consolidate the brand\u2019s presence on the European market. Registering a trademark in Italy does not only mean obtaining a legal title, but building real protection of one\u2019s distinctive sign, defending it from imitations, abuses or counterfeiting. For a foreigner who wishes to protect their business, this procedure becomes a valuable tool because it allows access to local market services with greater security and recognition.<\/p>\n

The rules governing the matter are not limited to the Italian Industrial Property Code (Legislative Decree 30\/2005)<\/strong>, but are also based on international agreements such as the Paris Convention<\/strong>, the Madrid Agreement and Protocol<\/strong> and the Nice Agreement<\/strong> for the classification of goods and services. Thanks to these conventions, it is possible to achieve coordination between multiple legal systems and facilitate the extension of trademark protection in different States. International trademark registration<\/strong>, for example, makes it possible with a single procedure to obtain protection in several countries, including Italy, greatly simplifying the management of rights.<\/p>\n

Our firm, leveraging its established experience in international law, assists companies and professionals from abroad, providing specific and personalized advice for every need. Our goal is to make the registration process of foreign companies\u2019 trademarks a clear and safe path, concretely protecting the interests of companies that choose to enter the Italian market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Subsequent territorial extension of the international trademark<\/h2>\n
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The Madrid system<\/strong>, consisting of the 1891 Agreement and the 1989 Protocol, allows those who have already registered a trademark in the country of origin to extend its effects also in Italy and in the other member States. This mechanism, known as subsequent territorial extension<\/strong>, is much appreciated by foreign companies that decide to expand their business in Italy after an initial filing in another country. The procedure is managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization<\/strong> based in Geneva and allows, with a single act, to obtain a centralized registration that produces effects equivalent to a national registration in the designated countries, subject to refusal, since each designated State may refuse protection under its own law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The extension has some aspects that deserve attention. In the first five years, the validity of the international trademark is linked to that of the trademark registered in the country of origin. If the latter is annulled or declared invalid, the extension in Italy may also fall. After this period, the registration becomes independent and continues to produce effects even if the basic trademark loses its validity. For companies that intend to register a trademark in Italy through international extension, this tool represents an efficient and strategic choice, capable of reducing costs and simplifying the management of procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Documents to be submitted<\/h2>\n
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The procedure for registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies<\/strong> requires the submission of a series of documents that must be prepared with extreme care. It is important to note that applicants based outside the EEA (European Economic Area)<\/strong> must appoint an authorized representative (industrial property consultant or lawyer in Italy).<\/p>\n

For trademark registration it is necessary to complete the application in Italian, attach the reproduction of the trademark to be protected and precisely indicate the goods and services to be protected according to the Nice Classification<\/strong>. Proof of payment of filing fees must then be provided and, if Union priority<\/strong> under the Paris Convention is invoked, documentation proving the first filing made abroad within the six months provided must be attached.<\/p>\n

When documents come from countries outside the European Union, sworn translations and consular legalizations, or the affixing of an apostille, may be required. If the route of international trademark registration<\/strong> under the Madrid Protocol is chosen, the application must be filed with the competent office of the country of origin and subsequently forwarded to the Italian Patent and Trademark Office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To speed up registration times in Italy, the Fast Track<\/strong> procedure is available for online filings, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the waiting time for the automatic check of consistency with the Nice Classification, obtaining faster publication.<\/p>\n

A foreign company wishing to register a trademark in Italy must be aware that even a small formal error can cause the application to be rejected or significantly slow down the procedure. For this reason, the legal assistance of a lawyer experienced in international industrial law is essential, because it allows the documents to be prepared correctly and completely from the outset.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How to ensure the protection of your trademark in Italy and abroad<\/h2>\n
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Registration is only the first step in defending one\u2019s distinctive sign. Protection of a trademark in Italy and abroad<\/strong> requires active and constant management. The owner must monitor so that no one else attempts to register similar or identical trademarks and, in case of violations, has the right to oppose or take legal action.<\/p>\n

In Italy, opposition can be filed within three months from the publication of the application in the Trademarks Bulletin<\/strong>. Internationally, the Paris Convention<\/strong> guarantees a six-month priority period during which the owner may extend protection of their trademark to other countries while maintaining the date of the first filing. It is also important to renew the registration periodically: in Italy and in the European Union the duration is ten years, renewable without limits, while in the countries adhering to the Madrid system the timelines may vary.<\/p>\n

Protecting a trademark also means monitoring the market to prevent unauthorized use and entering into license or franchise agreements<\/strong> when you wish to grant third parties the use of the distinctive sign. Without adequate protection, the risk is that the trademark loses value or is exploited by unfair competitors.<\/p>\n

A special mention must be made with reference to incentives for SMEs in 2025<\/strong>. For European small and medium-sized enterprises, 2025 offers interesting savings opportunities thanks to the EUIPO SME Fund<\/strong>. SMEs can obtain reimbursements of up to 75%<\/strong> of the costs incurred for the registration of trademarks, designs and models at national, regional and EU level. The maximum contribution is EUR 1,500<\/strong> per beneficiary and covers filing, class, examination, registration and publication fees. This tool represents a concrete opportunity for foreign companies that wish to protect their trademarks in Europe while containing initial costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Trademark protection in Italy: how it works and why to do it<\/h2>\n
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The trademark registered in Italy<\/strong> grants the owner an exclusive right, which translates into the possibility of preventing others from using identical or confusingly similar signs for similar goods or services. This power represents a strategic advantage for any company operating on the Italian market. Registration makes it possible to strengthen commercial presence, to access forms of financing more easily and to enhance the trademark as an intangible asset that can be transferred or licensed.<\/p>\n

The exclusive right<\/strong> on the registered trademark lasts ten years from the date of filing of the application and is renewable for subsequent periods of equal duration without limits. During this period, the owner can exercise full control over the use of their distinctive sign, authorizing or prohibiting its use by third parties through license or franchise agreements. This territorial exclusivity extends throughout the national territory and covers not only identical use of the trademark, but also the use of similar signs that may create confusion among consumers for related goods or services.<\/p>\n

Legal protection is particularly relevant in cases of unfair competition or counterfeiting. Without a valid registration, defending a trademark becomes much more difficult. For this reason, registration in Italy is not only a legal requirement, but a far-sighted choice that protects the identity of the company and consolidates its value in the long term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What territorial extension for your trademarks?<\/h2>\n
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Those who want to protect a trademark must carefully choose which level of registration to adopt.<\/p>\n

The Italian trademark<\/strong> is valid only on the national territory and represents the simplest and most direct choice for those who wish to operate exclusively in Italy.<\/p>\n

The European trademark<\/strong>, on the other hand, offers unitary coverage in all twenty-seven Member States of the Union and is registered with a single application at EUIPO<\/strong>. It is a particularly advantageous solution for companies intending to expand their business in various EU markets. The system follows the \u201call or nothing\u201d principle: either protection is obtained throughout the EU or it is not obtained at all. However, if the application is refused for issues relating only to certain Member States, it is possible to convert it into national trademark applications in the countries where there are no impediments, maintaining the original priority date.<\/p>\n

The international trademark<\/strong>, finally, does not constitute a single title, but a bundle of national registrations coordinated by the Madrid system<\/strong>. With a single procedure it is possible to designate several member States, including Italy, obtaining extended and simplified protection. The choice between Italian, European or international trademark depends on commercial objectives and available budget. Those who wish to consolidate their presence on the national market will opt for the Italian trademark, those aiming at EU expansion will prefer the European trademark, while companies with global ambitions will find in the Madrid system the most suitable tool.<\/p>\n

Mention should be made of European Union certification marks<\/strong>. These marks allow certification institutes or bodies to authorize the use of the mark for goods or services that meet specific certification requirements. The cost is identical to that of EU collective marks (EUR 1,500<\/strong> for electronic filing, EUR 1,800<\/strong> for paper filing), with EUR 50<\/strong> for the second class and EUR 150<\/strong> for each additional class. This tool is particularly useful for foreign companies operating in sectors where quality certification represents a competitive added value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How the International Law Firm Boschetti can help you with the registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies<\/h2>\n

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The International Law Firm Boschetti<\/strong> supports foreign companies in every stage of registration in Italy of trademarks<\/strong>, from the preliminary assessment to the defense of the distinctive sign in case of disputes. Our experience allows us to identify the most advantageous strategy for each client, whether it is filing an Italian trademark, or aiming at European or international protection.<\/p>\n

We handle the preparation and filing of the application, the translation and legalization of documents coming from abroad, the coordination with the Italian Patent and Trademark Office<\/strong>, with EUIPO<\/strong> and with WIPO<\/strong>. We also provide assistance and legal representation in oppositions and judicial disputes, thus ensuring effective and lasting protection of the trademark.<\/p>\n

For foreign companies, our work is not limited to the bureaucratic aspect: we offer complete advice that integrates knowledge of Italian regulations with international rules, allowing to avoid mistakes and waste of time. Entrusting our firm means protecting one of the company\u2019s most important assets, the brand<\/strong>, and ensuring a solid and safeguarded entry into the Italian and European market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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Investments and Real Estate Registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies The registration in Italy of trademarks of foreign companies is a decisive step for those who intend to develop their business in our country or consolidate the brand\u2019s presence on the European market. Registering a trademark in Italy does not only mean obtaining […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":3430,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3386","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3386"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3386\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5462,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3386\/revisions\/5462"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}