Registering a trademark with the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) takes about 9–15 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases, such as those involving oppositions, may take up to 18 months.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 3 months from the publication of the application in the Official Trademark Bulletin.
In Taiwan, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, three-dimensional marks, sound marks, color marks, and certification marks, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality, religious values, or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in Taiwan, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $400–600 for one class of goods or services, including registration and publication fees. Additional costs may include legal services or fees for extra classes.
Use of the trademark is not mandatory, but non-use for 3 consecutive years after registration may lead to cancellation upon third-party request, as per the Trademark Act.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the registration date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
A strong brand represents your company's reputation, identity, and the quality of your products or services. For businesses aiming to expand globally, Taiwan stands out as a promising market with a robust economy, strategic location, and a vibrant commercial environment.
Registering your trademark in Taiwan is essential to conducting business legally and securely. It ensures that your brand receives the protection it deserves against unauthorized use, copying, and unfair competition. This article explores the significance of trademark registration in Taiwan, outlines the registration process, and highlights how ProfitMark can assist you every step of the way.
Registering your trademark in Taiwan offers numerous advantages:
Protection from copying and unfair competition: A registered trademark protects your brand from being used or imitated by others without your permission, safeguarding your market position.
Exclusive rights to use the brand: Registration grants you the exclusive right to use your tm logo and trademark in Taiwan, giving you legal leverage and commercial benefits.
Increase in company and brand value: Ownership of a registered trademark enhances the intangible assets of your business, increasing its overall value.
Opportunities for licensing and franchising: With a registered trademark logo, you can expand your business through licensing deals or franchising agreements, monetizing your brand more effectively.
Legal advantage in disputes: A registered mark provides you with a strong legal basis to defend your rights in case of infringement or trademark disputes.
Taiwan’s trademark registration is managed by the Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). The key steps to secure your tm registration mark include:
Before filing, it is advisable to conduct a trademark name search or trade mark office search to ensure that your desired tm logo or trademark is not already registered or restricted. This step helps avoid conflicts and saves time and money.
You must submit your trademark registration application including:
A clear representation of your tm logo or trademark logo
The list of goods and services covered
Information about the applicant (individual or company)
Power of attorney if filing through an agent
This can be done online or via an authorized representative.
TIPO reviews the application for compliance with formal requirements, distinctiveness, and potential conflicts with existing trademarks.
An in-depth assessment follows, where the trademark is examined to ensure it meets legal criteria and is not confusingly similar to prior registered marks.
If the application passes examination, it is published in the official trademark gazette. Third parties have a designated period to file oppositions if they believe the trademark infringes on their rights.
If no opposition is filed or if oppositions are resolved, the trademark is registered, and the applicant receives an official registration certificate, granting the registered trademark status.
A registration mark in Taiwan is valid for ten years from the date of filing and can be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods.
Taiwan maintains a national trademark register where all registered logos and marks are recorded. It is crucial to monitor this register regularly to identify potential infringements and maintain your trademark’s exclusivity.
Trademark registration can be complex without expert assistance, leading to:
Mistakes in documentation and filing procedures
Overlooking existing restricted trademarks or similar marks
Delays due to incomplete applications or oppositions
Challenges in handling legal objections or disputes
Lack of knowledge about specific local regulations
Engaging a professional service like ProfitMark can help you avoid these pitfalls.
ProfitMark offers comprehensive support tailored to Taiwan’s trademark laws:
Full guidance from initial consultation to certificate issuance
Trademark name search and verification of uniqueness against existing marks
Filing documents without the need for your physical presence
Legal support in case of oppositions or disputes
Transparent pricing and guaranteed timelines
With ProfitMark, trademark registration becomes simple, efficient, and secure.
Over 13 years of experience in global trademark registration
Successful registrations in more than 30 countries
Team of international experts knowledgeable about local markets
Personalized service for every client
Fully online service, allowing you to manage your registration remotely
Quality assurance and compliance guarantee
ProfitMark is your trusted partner for protecting and enhancing your brand worldwide.
Don’t delay protecting your brand. Registering your trademark in Taiwan secures your rights and opens doors to a dynamic and expanding market. With ProfitMark, the process is clear, reliable, and hassle-free.
Contact ProfitMark today and take the first step to safeguard your business’s future with a registered trademark in Taiwan!