--- title: "EU Trademark Assignment & Licensing at EUIPO | GTC" description: "Guide to EU trademark assignment and licensing. Covers Article 20 EUTMR transfer requirements, EUIPO recording procedures, partial assignment, and licence..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO", "description": "Guide to EU trademark assignment and licensing. Covers Article 20 EUTMR transfer requirements, EUIPO recording procedures, partial assignment, and licence...", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/eu-trademark-assignment-licensing-euipo.jpg?t=1780326974497", "datePublished": "2026-01-22T09:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-21T15:54:17.828619+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "guides", "keywords": "EU trademark assignment, EUTM transfer, EUIPO recording, trademark licensing EU, partial assignment EUTM", "wordCount": 1527, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Maryam Noor", "jobTitle": "Senior Associate & Attorney", "image": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/maryam.jpg", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/maryam-noor" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/eu-trademark-assignment-licensing-euipo" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/eu-trademark-assignment-licensing-euipo" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I assign an EUTM without selling my business?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Under Article 20(1) EUTMR, an EUTM may be transferred independently of any transfer of the undertaking. You can sell or assign just the trademark while retaining your business." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to record an assignment with EUIPO?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The recording fee is **EUR 200** per EUTM. Discounted rates (EUR 100 per mark) are available for bulk online filings." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I assign an EUTM for only some goods or services?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. A partial assignment transfers specific goods/services to the new owner while the original owner retains the rest. EUIPO creates a new registration number for the transferred portion." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is it mandatory to record a licence with EUIPO?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, but it is strongly recommended. Recording makes the licence enforceable against third parties and allows the licensee to invoke the mark owner's rights in infringement proceedings." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I license an EUTM for only part of the EU?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Unlike assignment (which must cover the entire EU due to the EUTM's unitary character), licensing can be limited to specific EU member states or territories." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if I don't record the assignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The assignment is valid between the parties but is not enforceable against third parties under Article 27(1) EUTMR. The previous owner remains the recorded owner in EUIPO's Register, which can create complications for enforcement and correspondence." } } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. 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EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO [Back to Blog](/blog) guides # EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO ![Maryam Noor](/team/maryam.jpg)Maryam Noor · Senior Associate & IP Specialist January 22, 2026 13 min read Share Last updated: June 21, 2026 ![EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/eu-trademark-assignment-licensing-euipo.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780326974497) In this article [EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO](#eu-trademark-assignment-and-licensing-recording-transfers-with-euipo)[Assignment (Transfer of Ownership)](#assignment-transfer-of-ownership)[Licensing](#licensing)[Other Registrable Transactions](#other-registrable-transactions)[Required Documentation](#required-documentation)[Partial Assignment: Key Considerations](#partial-assignment-key-considerations)[Cross-Border Considerations](#cross-border-considerations)[Tax and Due Diligence Considerations](#tax-and-due-diligence-considerations)[Best Practices](#best-practices)[Ready to Transfer or License Your EU Trademark?](#ready-to-transfer-or-license-your-eu-trademark)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) ## EU Trademark Assignment and Licensing: Recording Transfers with EUIPO A European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) is a valuable intellectual property asset that can be **transferred, assigned, licensed, or pledged** independently of the business to which it is attached. Whether you are selling your brand, bringing on a licensee, or restructuring your corporate portfolio, understanding the EUIPO procedures for recording these transactions is essential. The rules governing EUTM transfers are found primarily in **Articles 20–29** of the EU Trade Mark Regulation (EU 2017/1001, or EUTMR). > **Pro tip:** Before entering into any assignment or licensing agreement, [run a free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to confirm the mark's current registration status, any encumbrances, and whether it is subject to ongoing proceedings. ## Assignment (Transfer of Ownership) ### What Is an EUTM Assignment? An assignment is the **transfer of ownership** of an EUTM from one entity (the assignor) to another (the assignee). Under **Article 20(1) EUTMR**, an EUTM may be transferred: - **Independently of any transfer of the undertaking** — you do not need to sell the business to transfer the trademark - For **all or part** of the goods and services for which it is registered - In respect of the **entire EU** — partial territorial transfers are not possible (the EUTM has unitary character) ### Types of Assignment Type Description **Full assignment** The entire EUTM registration transfers to the new owner for all goods/services **Partial assignment** The EUTM is split — some goods/services transfer to the new owner while the original owner retains the rest. EUIPO creates a new registration number for the transferred portion ### Recording an Assignment with EUIPO To record a transfer, submit: 1. **Request for recording** — using EUIPO's online form or paper form 2. **Proof of transfer** — one of the following: \- A signed assignment agreement or deed of transfer \- An extract from the agreement showing the transfer \- A declaration of transfer signed by both parties \- A completed EUIPO transfer form signed by both parties 1. **Recording fee** — **EUR 200** per mark (reduced to EUR 100 per mark if filed online and in bulk) ### Why Recording Matters Under **Article 27(1) EUTMR**, an unrecorded transfer is not enforceable against third parties. Until the transfer is recorded in the EUIPO Register: - The new owner cannot enforce the mark against infringers - The new owner's rights are not opposable to third parties who acquire rights in good faith - EUIPO continues to communicate with the recorded owner > **The GTC advantage:** Our [trademark assignment service](/services/trademark-assignment) handles the entire transfer process — from drafting the assignment agreement to recording with EUIPO — ensuring your transaction is legally sound and properly documented. ## Licensing ### What Is an EUTM Licence? A licence authorises a third party (the licensee) to use the EUTM in commerce. Under **Article 25 EUTMR**, an EUTM may be licensed for: - **All or part** of the goods and services covered - **The whole or part of the EU** — unlike assignment, licensing can be territorial (e.g., licence for France and Germany only) - **Exclusive or non-exclusive** basis ### Types of Licences Licence Type Description **Exclusive licence** Only the licensee may use the mark in the licensed territory — even the owner is excluded **Sole licence** The licensee and the owner may both use the mark, but no other licensees are appointed **Non-exclusive licence** Multiple licensees may be appointed alongside the owner's own use ### Sub-Licensing A licensee may grant sub-licences only if the licence agreement expressly permits it. Without such authorisation, sub-licensing is not allowed. ### Recording a Licence with EUIPO Recording a licence is **optional but recommended**. Benefits of recording: - The licensee can invoke the rights of the EUTM owner in infringement proceedings (Article 25(3) EUTMR) - Recorded licences are opposable to third parties - Provides public notice of the licensing arrangement To record, submit: - A request for recording (online or paper) - Evidence of the licence (the agreement or an extract) - Recording fee: **EUR 200** per mark per licensee ## Other Registrable Transactions ### Security Interests (Pledges) Under **Article 22 EUTMR**, an EUTM can be given as security (pledged) for a loan or other obligation. The pledge must be recorded with EUIPO to be effective against third parties. ### Insolvency Proceedings Under **Article 23 EUTMR**, an EUTM may be involved in insolvency proceedings. The insolvency practitioner or court can request that EUIPO note the insolvency on the Register. ### Levy of Execution Under **Article 24 EUTMR**, an EUTM can be subject to a levy of execution (court-ordered seizure). This must also be recorded with EUIPO. ## Required Documentation For all transactions, EUIPO requires: Document Assignment Licence Pledge Request form Yes Yes Yes Signed agreement/deed Yes Yes Yes Recording fee (EUR 200) Yes Yes Yes Proof of legal capacity If applicable If applicable If applicable Power of Attorney If filed by representative If filed by representative If filed by representative ## Partial Assignment: Key Considerations Partial assignments create a **split registration** — the original EUTM continues for the retained goods/services, and a new EUTM registration is created for the transferred portion. Consider: - **Potential confusion** — if both owners use similar marks for related (but split) goods/services, consumers may be confused - **Opposition risk** — the two resulting registrations may become the basis for opposing each other's future applications - **Enforcement complexity** — each owner enforces only their portion of the original registration EUIPO may refuse to record a partial assignment if the split would create a likelihood of confusion or deception (Article 20(2) EUTMR). ## Cross-Border Considerations Since the EUTM has unitary character across the EU: - **Territorial restrictions in assignment are not possible** — you cannot assign an EUTM for "Germany only" - **Territorial restrictions in licensing are possible** — you can license for specific member states - If you need territory-specific ownership, consider [national trademark filings](/blog/eu-trademark-vs-national-trademark) instead - For assignments involving non-EU parties, the [EU representative requirement](/blog/filing-eu-trademark-from-outside-eu) applies to the new owner ## Tax and Due Diligence Considerations While outside the scope of trademark law, be aware that EUTM assignments and licences may trigger: - **VAT obligations** — particularly for cross-border licensing arrangements - **Withholding tax** — on royalty payments between countries - **Transfer pricing requirements** — for intra-group assignments or licences - **Due diligence needs** — verify the mark is free from encumbrances, oppositions, or cancellation actions before acquiring it Always consult with tax and legal advisors in the relevant jurisdictions. ## Best Practices 1. **Record all transactions** with EUIPO — unrecorded transfers are not enforceable against third parties 2. **Include quality control provisions** in licence agreements — maintaining control over how the mark is used protects its distinctiveness 3. **Address termination** — specify what happens to inventory, signage, and digital assets when a licence ends 4. **Check for encumbrances** before acquiring an EUTM — use [eSearch plus](/blog/eu-trademark-search-euipo-tmview) to review the mark's history 5. **Update renewal responsibility** — clarify who is responsible for [renewal fees](/blog/eu-trademark-renewal-euipo-deadlines) after assignment 6. **Consider [monitoring obligations](/blog/trademark-monitoring-enforcement-eu)** — determine which party is responsible for watching and enforcing the mark ## Ready to Transfer or License Your EU Trademark? Whether you are buying, selling, or licensing an EUTM, proper documentation and EUIPO recording are essential for protecting your rights. [Check your trademark's status](/free-trademark-check) before entering into any transaction, or contact our [assignment and transfer team](/services/trademark-assignment) for end-to-end support. ### Need help with your trademark? Get a free trademark check from our specialists, no obligation. Protect Your Brand in the EU Or [learn more about this service →](/services/eu-trademark) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I assign an EUTM without selling my business? ### How much does it cost to record an assignment with EUIPO? ### Can I assign an EUTM for only some goods or services? ### Is it mandatory to record a licence with EUIPO? ### Can I license an EUTM for only part of the EU? ### What happens if I don't record the assignment? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. [Protect Your Brand in the EU](/services/eu-trademark) ![Maryam Noor](/team/maryam.jpg) Maryam Noor Senior Associate & IP Specialist eu-trademark assignment licensing euipo trademark-transfer ## Related Articles [ ![Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/pipeline/9358f640-cc7c-49d6-9d70-aafc78f3a270.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780479747214) ### Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices Jun 6, 2026 ](/blog/trademark-searches-beyond-google-comprehensive-tools-and-best-practices)[ ![EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780326641627) ### EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact Apr 24, 2026 ](/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026)[ ![Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780411398351) ### Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026 Apr 20, 2026 ](/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-2026) ## Site footer ![Global Trademark Company](/assets/gtc-logo-white-DQ8YcvVd.svg) Secure Every Step of Your Growth Trusted by brands since 2016 [hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com ](mailto:hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/) [+1 510-973-4964 (US & International) ](tel:+15109734964)[+44 7453 347853 (UK & EU) ](tel:+447453347853)[+91 6397-329955 (India) ](tel:+916397329955) ### Company - 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