How to Register a Trademark in Romania: A Practical Guide
Protect your brand in Romania with this straightforward walkthrough of the trademark registration process, from initial search to final certificate.
Illustration: AI-generated image
Building a brand in Romania? Registering a trademark is one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your business name, logo or slogan from copycats. The process is handled by the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM), and while it involves several steps, it is entirely manageable if you know what to expect.
Why register a trademark?
A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your mark for the goods or services you specify. It stops competitors from using a confusingly similar sign and adds real value to your business. Without registration, you rely on unregistered rights, which are much harder to enforce if a dispute arises.
Who can register?
Any natural or legal person, Romanian or foreign, can apply for a trademark in Romania. You do not need to have a company based in the country. If you are not resident or established in the European Union, you must appoint a professional representative (like a registered trademark attorney) to act on your behalf before OSIM.
Step-by-step process
The trademark registration process in Romania follows a clear sequence:
- Conduct a search – Before applying, check existing trademarks to avoid conflicts. You can search OSIM's free online database or the EUIPO's database for earlier rights.
- Prepare your application – Decide what you want to protect: a word, logo, combination, or even a sound. You must list the goods and services using the Nice Classification system.
- File with OSIM – Submit your application online or on paper, along with the required fee. The fee depends on the number of classes you cover.
- Formal examination – OSIM checks that your application meets all formal requirements. If something is missing, you will be given time to correct it.
- Substantive examination – The examiner assesses whether your mark is distinctive and not descriptive or misleading. They also search for earlier conflicting marks.
- Publication – If no obstacles are found, your trademark is published in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin. Third parties have two months to file oppositions.
- Registration – If no opposition is filed, or if you overcome any opposition, OSIM issues the registration certificate. Your trademark is then protected for ten years from the filing date.
How long does it take?
The average time from filing to registration is around 6 to 12 months, assuming no objections or oppositions. You can speed things up by preparing a thorough application and responding quickly to any official letters.
Renewal and maintenance
A Romanian trademark registration lasts ten years and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods. You must use the mark in commerce; if you do not use it for five consecutive years, a third party can apply to cancel it on grounds of non-use.
International protection
If your business operates beyond Romania, you can extend protection through the Madrid System for international registration, designating Romania as one of many countries. Alternatively, an EU trademark covers all member states, including Romania.
Final tips
Before filing, invest time in a thorough search to reduce the risk of objections. Choose your goods and services carefully – you cannot add more later on the same application. And keep records of use, as this will help defend your rights if challenged.
