--- title: "EU Trademark Search: EUIPO & TMview Guide | GTC" description: "How to search EU trademarks using EUIPO eSearch plus, TMview, and TMclass. Essential clearance search strategies before filing an EUTM application." 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 Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview", "description": "How to search EU trademarks using EUIPO eSearch plus, TMview, and TMclass. Essential clearance search strategies before filing an EUTM application.", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/eu-trademark-search-euipo-tmview.jpg?t=1780327438991", "datePublished": "2025-11-20T09:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-21T15:54:17.828619+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "guides", "keywords": "EU trademark search, EUIPO database, TMview search, eSearch plus, trademark clearance EU, TMclass", "wordCount": 1427, "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-search-euipo-tmview" } }, { "@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 Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/eu-trademark-search-euipo-tmview" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the EUIPO trademark search free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Both eSearch plus and TMview are free to use and publicly accessible. TMclass is also free. These tools cover EUTMs, EU-designating international registrations, and national marks from over 70 offices." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between eSearch plus and TMview?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "eSearch plus covers EUIPO-registered marks (EUTMs and EU-designating Madrid registrations). TMview aggregates data from 70+ offices worldwide, including all EU national trademark offices, making it essential for checking earlier national rights." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I search for logo trademarks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. eSearch plus supports image-based search using Vienna Classification codes for figurative elements. TMview also supports figurative mark searches. However, visual similarity assessments are complex and often benefit from professional analysis." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far back should I search?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Search all active marks regardless of filing date. Also check recently expired marks (within the last 2–3 years) as they may have residual goodwill. EUIPO retains historical records in eSearch plus." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does a clear search guarantee my EUTM will be registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. A clear search significantly reduces risk but cannot guarantee registration. EUIPO may still raise absolute grounds objections (e.g., descriptiveness), and unregistered earlier rights or common law marks may not appear in database searches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I search before filing a Madrid Protocol designation to the EU?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. The same conflict risks apply whether you file directly with EUIPO or designate the EU through the Madrid Protocol. A pre-filing search is essential regardless of the filing route." } } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. [Blog](/blog) 4. / 5. EU Trademark Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview [Back to Blog](/blog) guides # EU Trademark Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview ![Maryam Noor](/team/maryam.jpg)Maryam Noor · Senior Associate & IP Specialist November 20, 2025 13 min read Share Last updated: June 21, 2026 ![EU Trademark Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/eu-trademark-search-euipo-tmview.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780327438991) In this article [EU Trademark Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview](#eu-trademark-search-how-to-use-the-euipo-database-and-tmview)[Why Search Before Filing?](#why-search-before-filing)[EUIPO's eSearch Plus Database](#euipo-s-esearch-plus-database)[TMview: Searching Across 70+ Offices](#tmview-searching-across-70-offices)[TMclass: Goods and Services Classification](#tmclass-goods-and-services-classification)[Types of Similarity to Check](#types-of-similarity-to-check)[Building a Comprehensive Search Strategy](#building-a-comprehensive-search-strategy)[Interpreting Search Results](#interpreting-search-results)[When to Seek Professional Help](#when-to-seek-professional-help)[Next Steps After Your Search](#next-steps-after-your-search)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) ## EU Trademark Search: How to Use the EUIPO Database and TMview Before filing a European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) application, a thorough trademark search is the single most important step you can take to avoid costly conflicts. An earlier identical or similar mark can lead to an [examination objection](/blog/eu-trademark-examination-refusal), a third-party [opposition](/blog/eu-trademark-opposition-timeline-costs), or even post-registration cancellation. EUIPO and its partner offices provide several **free online databases** that allow you to search existing trademarks across Europe and beyond. > **Pro tip:** Before diving into database searches, [run a free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) through our platform for a quick initial assessment of your brand's availability across EU registers. ## Why Search Before Filing? Filing an EUTM without searching is like signing a lease without inspecting the property. Here is what you risk: - **Opposition from earlier right holders** — the 3-month opposition period means anyone with a prior right can challenge your application - **Wasted filing fees** — the EUR 850 base fee is non-refundable even if your application is opposed or withdrawn - **Delayed market entry** — an opposition can add 12–24 months to your timeline - **Legal costs** — defending or settling an opposition is significantly more expensive than a pre-filing search A comprehensive search strategy combines multiple databases and search techniques. ## EUIPO's eSearch Plus Database [eSearch plus](https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/) is EUIPO's primary search tool, covering: - **All EUTMs** — pending, registered, expired, and cancelled - **International registrations** designating the EU via the Madrid Protocol - **EUIPO decisions** — opposition, cancellation, and appeal decisions - **Registered Community Designs** (RCDs) ### How to Search eSearch Plus 1. Go to [euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/](https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/) 2. Select **"Trade marks"** from the search type 3. Enter your search term in the **"Trade mark name"** field 4. Refine by: \- **Nice Classification** class numbers \- **Trade mark type** (word, figurative, etc.) \- **Status** (filed, registered, etc.) \- **Owner name** or country 1. Review results for identical and similar marks ### Search Tips for eSearch Plus - **Use wildcards:** The asterisk (\*) replaces any number of characters. For example, searching "TECH\*" returns TECHNO, TECHNOLOGY, TECHSMART, etc. - **Search figurative elements:** Use Vienna Classification codes to search for specific design elements in logos - **Check phonetic similarities:** Search for phonetically similar spellings (e.g., "KLEEN" vs "CLEAN") - **Review expired marks:** An expired EUTM may still have residual goodwill that a new application could conflict with ## TMview: Searching Across 70+ Offices [TMview](https://www.tmdn.org/tmview/) is a collaborative tool maintained by EUIPO and the Trademark Network (TMDN). It aggregates trademark data from **over 70 intellectual property offices** worldwide, including all EU national offices. ### Why TMview Matters An EUTM can be opposed based on an **earlier national mark** in any EU member state — not just earlier EUTMs. TMview lets you search national registers that would not appear in eSearch plus: - German (DPMA), French (INPI), Spanish (SPTO), Italian (UIBM) marks - Benelux (BOIP), Nordic, Central European national marks - Marks from non-EU countries (US, UK, China, Japan, etc.) for comprehensive global clearance ### How to Search TMview 1. Go to [tmdn.org/tmview/](https://www.tmdn.org/tmview/) 2. Enter your brand name or keywords 3. Select the **offices** you want to search (e.g., all EU offices) 4. Filter by Nice classes, mark type, status, and filing dates 5. Review results, paying attention to marks in the same or related classes > **The GTC advantage:** Our [new trademark filing service](/services/new-trademark-filing) includes a professional clearance search that goes beyond free database tools — analysing phonetic, visual, and conceptual similarity across all relevant jurisdictions. ## TMclass: Goods and Services Classification [TMclass](https://euipo.europa.eu/ec2/) is EUIPO's classification tool for finding accepted goods and services terms under the [Nice Classification system](/blog/eu-trademark-classes-goods-services). While not a trademark search tool per se, it is essential for: - **Determining your classes** before searching — you need to know which classes to focus on - **Finding harmonised terms** — terms accepted across multiple EU offices - **Fast Track eligibility** — only applications using TMclass-accepted terms qualify for EUIPO's [Fast Track programme](/blog/how-to-register-eu-trademark-eutm-guide) ## Types of Similarity to Check When evaluating search results, consider three types of similarity that EUIPO examiners and opposition panels assess: ### 1\. Visual Similarity How the marks **look** when seen side by side. Compare letter sequences, word length, shared prefixes or suffixes, and overall visual impression. ### 2\. Phonetic Similarity How the marks **sound** when spoken aloud. Marks spelled differently but pronounced similarly (e.g., "XERO" and "ZERO") can still conflict. ### 3\. Conceptual Similarity What the marks **mean** or evoke. Two marks with different spellings and sounds may still conflict if they share the same concept (e.g., "JAGUAR" and a jaguar logo). The overall assessment combines all three types and weighs them against the similarity of the goods and services. ## Building a Comprehensive Search Strategy A thorough pre-filing search should include: Search Layer Database Coverage EU-wide marks eSearch plus All EUTMs and EU-designating Madrid registrations National EU marks TMview All 27 EU member state national registers Global marks TMview + WIPO Global Brand Database Major non-EU offices for comprehensive clearance Goods/services TMclass Classification accuracy and Fast Track compatibility ### Beyond Database Searches Free databases have limitations. A professional clearance search also considers: - **Common law rights** — unregistered marks with established goodwill - **Company names** — trading names that may constitute earlier rights - **Domain names** — relevant web presences that indicate prior use - **Phonetic analysis** — algorithmic comparison tools that catch similarities humans might miss ## Interpreting Search Results Finding a similar mark does not necessarily mean you cannot file. Consider: 1. **Class overlap** — are the goods/services in the same or related classes? 2. **Territory** — is the earlier mark in a relevant EU territory? 3. **Status** — is the mark still active, or has it expired or been cancelled? 4. **Genuine use** — has the earlier mark been used in the last 5 years? (Non-use can be a defence in [opposition proceedings](/blog/eu-trademark-opposition-timeline-costs)) 5. **Coexistence potential** — can the marks coexist in the marketplace without confusion? ## When to Seek Professional Help DIY searches are a good starting point, but they have limits. Consider professional assistance if: - Your brand name is in a **crowded field** (common words, tech terms, etc.) - You are filing in **multiple classes** across related goods and services - Your mark includes a **figurative element** (logo) that requires visual comparison - You need a **freedom-to-operate opinion** before investing in brand assets - You are [filing from outside the EU](/blog/filing-eu-trademark-from-outside-eu) and unfamiliar with European trademark landscapes ## Next Steps After Your Search Once your search is complete and you are confident in availability: 1. Finalise your [goods and services classification](/blog/eu-trademark-classes-goods-services) 2. Prepare your EUTM application via the [EUIPO portal](https://euipo.europa.eu/) 3. Consider [Fast Track filing](/blog/how-to-register-eu-trademark-eutm-guide) for accelerated processing 4. Set up [trademark monitoring](/blog/trademark-monitoring-enforcement-eu) after registration to catch conflicting filings early [Run a free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to get started, or explore our [professional filing services](/services/new-trademark-filing) for comprehensive clearance and filing 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 ### Is the EUIPO trademark search free? ### What is the difference between eSearch plus and TMview? ### Can I search for logo trademarks? ### How far back should I search? ### Does a clear search guarantee my EUTM will be registered? ### Should I search before filing a Madrid Protocol designation to the EU? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. 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