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The Trade Marks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union
You are here: Home > Trade marks > How to obtain protection for the whole of the European Union (EU)
There are two different ways to obtain protection for a trade mark in the whole EU:
1. A Community trade mark: an exclusive right that protects distinctive signs, valid across the EU, registered directly with OHIM in Alicante in accordance with the conditions specified in the CTM Regulations.
2. An international trade mark designating the European Union (EU): likewise an exclusive right but administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva according to the Madrid Protocol. WIPO processes the application and then sends it to OHIM for examination according to the conditions specified in the CTM Regulations. This has the same effect as applying directly for a Community trade mark.