Trademark Registration in Belgium

Trademark registration takes about 4 months. Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg share a single system. The three countries form a union known as the Benelux, and applications are filed through the Benelux system. Separate national trademark applications cannot be filed in the individual countries. Applicants from outside the Benelux, i.e. outside Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, must appoint an attorney. Applicants from outside the Benelux must also provide a simply signed power of attorney. A specimen of the mark must be provided. A list of the classes in which the mark will be used must be provided. A multi-class system is used. An additional class fee applies after the 3rd class, i.e. from the 4th class. The international Nice Classification is used. The term of protection is 10 years. Oppositions can be filed within 2 months of publication. If a trademark has not been used within 5 years of the registration date or the date of last use, third parties may bring a cancellation action. The trademark can be renewed every 10 years.