Registering a trademark with the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) is not merely an administrative formality—it is a decisive step in securing exclusive rights over the distinctive signs used in commerce, whether a name, logo, slogan, or a combination thereof.
What is a trademark?
A trademark may consist of any sign—words (including personal names), designs, letters, numerals, colours, figurative elements, the shape of goods or packaging, or even sounds—provided that:
- The sign is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others; and
- It can be represented in the Trademark Register in a way that enables the authorities and the public to clearly and precisely determine the scope of protection granted.
What qualifies as a product or service?
In legal terms, a product (or good) is any tangible or digital item with economic value that can be traded (for example, clothing, equipment, software applications, artistic creations).
A service, by contrast, is an activity provided to meet a need without transferring ownership—for example, professional, technical, financial, or educational services.
Who can hold a trademark?
Any natural or legal person may apply to become the holder of a registered trademark.
How is an application filed?
The application for registration may be submitted:
- Directly at OSIM headquarters;
- By post; or
- Online, via the official electronic platform.
Applicants must complete the registration form and attach all legally required documents.
The Nice Classification
Goods and services are categorised into 45 international classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Choosing the correct classes is essential, as protection extends only to the selected areas, and the fees are calculated accordingly.
How long does examination take?
Upon payment of the statutory examination fees, OSIM conducts a substantive review of the application and issues a decision—either granting registration (in whole or in part) or rejecting it—within six months of publication.
Validity of a registered trademark
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.
Does OSIM registration provide international protection?
Registration with OSIM grants protection only within Romania.
To extend protection internationally, the holder may apply through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Madrid System, once national protection has been obtained.
Where to register for EU-wide protection?
To obtain trademark protection throughout the European Union, registration must be filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), headquartered in Alicante, Spain. This confers uniform exclusive rights in all EU Member States.
Is an EUIPO-registered trademark valid in Romania?
Yes. A trademark registered with the EUIPO is protected in all EU Member States, including Romania.