Benelux Trademark Office increases registration fees

The Benelux Trademark Office (BTO) has increased by 7% its registration fees and further increases are likely. The registration of a Benelux trademark for a 10-year term will now cost about €207.

The increase is in response to a serious downturn in BTO business. The introduction of a centralized European trademark search and registration facility has resulted in a significant fall in Community trademark searches at the BTO. Other procedural changes allowing accelerated searches and applications have also affected the BTO's income.

In addition to the increased fees, the BTO will also cut back on personnel and other expenditures.

Stéphan Le Goueff, Le Goueff Law Office, Luxembourg