Urgent Trademark Registration: how to protect your Brand in an expedite manner

TM Registration

Registering a trademark is a crucial step in building a successful business development strategy, but the registration timeframe isn't always up to the challenges you may face . Even in the most developed jurisdictions, the process can take up to six months , and in the US, for example, it can take as long as 14–18 months. At the same time , Situations often require urgently asserting your brand rights , for various reasons, whether it's a threat of name theft , entering a new market, or launching a new project. In such cases, expedited trademark registration — a special mechanism that allows you to obtain legal protection in record time— can be a solution.

Who might need fast TM registration?

Expedited registration isn't just a way to make the process more convenient, but a strategic tool that, in certain circumstances, can preserve your funds and safe the brand. This option may be helpful under the following circumstances:

Startups often launch in highly competitive environment within limited time. To avoid the risk of copying or claims from third parties, it's important to secure the rights to your name and logo as quickly as possible.
If you've received information that a competitor or unfair market participant is preparing to register your brand in their name, every week can count. Filing an application as soon as possible may be the only way to get ahead of the attacker.
In many jurisdictions, having a registered trademark is key to successful resolution of a domain name dispute. Emergency registration allows you to quickly strengthen your position in such conflicts.
Before fully launching a product in a new country, it's important to secure brand rights in advance. This prevents potential conflicts and creates a legal basis for further development.
If you plan to file an international application through the Madrid System, having a national registration (basic application) significantly speeds up and simplifies the process. An emergency registration in one country can be the starting point for global protection.

If opposition is necessary, accelerated registration of a trademark may be necessary to strengthen your negotiating position and subsequently submit a request for cancellation of the trademark or opposition.

What is the expedited TM registration?

Expedited processing almost always involves additional fees. These are the fees for priority processing by the intellectual property office.
Since accelerated registration is used in exceptional circumstances, the key factor is not just the filing of documents, but the development of a comprehensive brand protection strategy. This includes risk analysis, an assessment of potential conflicts, and selection of the optimal jurisdiction.
Before filing an application, it's essential to conduct a thorough audit of your brand. Its importance, given the unique circumstances of the application, will be far more significant than in a typical application, as not only trademark registration but the future of your project and the preservation of your investment may be at stake. Only through such analysis you can make an informed decision about expedited registration and minimize the risk of refusal while ensuring the desired outcome.

In which countries is expedited TM registration possible?

Not all jurisdictions offer priority review, and furthermore, not all jurisdictions such option can indeed expedite the process. Some effective examples include:

Germany: registration is possible within 1 month.
Lithuania: one of the fastest options: about 2 weeks.
Georgia: the application can be registered within 3 weeks.

There are other jurisdictions with expedited procedures — it all depends on your business goals, budget, and geographic area of interest. Our specialists will help you find the optimal solution for your situation.

How can we help you?

The Law&Trust International team specializes in solving the most complex and urgent intellectual property protection issues. We don't just file applications — we provide strategic protection for your brand and assistance in resolving any potential disputes. We offer, inter alia:

A comprehensive study of your case, risk assessment, legal analysis of the situation and determination of the optimal strategy for the least costly and most effective resolution of your issue.
Conducting a comprehensive audit of your trademark – we won't just check for similar trademarks, but will also thoroughly assess your chances of registration and achieving your goals based on our practical experience in the specific jurisdiction. If necessary, we will consult on making any changes to your trademark.
Prompt application processing and submission, ongoing monitoring, and resolution of all potential disputes with the IP office in a timely manner.

Post-registration support – filing an international application, monitoring similar applications, filing oppositions and requests to cancel similar trademarks, assistance with trademark renewal.

F.A.Q.

— How realistic is it to reduce registration time?

In some jurisdictions, it's as short as 2–4 weeks. However, it's important to remember that after registration, the trademark still goes through the publication stage (usually 3 months), however, the registration certificate will have already been received within 1 month.

— When is it worth paying extra for expedited registration?

When the fate of your brand or your business as a whole depends on timing — whether it's a threat of theft, launching an advertising campaign, entering a new market, or the need for urgent dispute resolution — the additional costs are completely reasonable.

— Do you need legal assistance?

It's important to understand that expedited registration is a strategic decision used in emergency situations when time and money spent on project development are at stake. Therefore, in this case, only timely.

Our clients