Guide to register a trademark in Sweden

Sweden is known as one of the countries with the most favorable business environment in the world. Sweden is the cradle of many world-famous technology companies such as Spotify and Skype. A solid technology foundation and a constant spirit of innovation create favorable conditions for startups and businesses to develop new technology products and services. The Swedes have a tradition of sophisticated, simple yet effective design. This is clearly reflected in furniture products, fashion, household appliances… Sweden is one of the leading countries in the development of environmentally friendly technology solutions. This creates a great opportunity for brands that want to build a sustainable image. Swedish people have a high standard of living, a stable income, and care about the quality of life. This creates a vibrant consumer market and is willing to pay for high-quality products and services. In addition, the Swedish Government has many policies to support start-ups and development, such as training programs, financial support, and tax reductions. Sweden is a potential market for brands looking to grow. With its advantages in technology, quality of life, business environment, and geographical location, Sweden is becoming one of the attractive destinations for investors and businesses worldwide. Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the preliminary procedures for trademark registration in Sweden through the article below.

Legal Basis

• Trade Names Law 2018:1653 (amended to Law 2020:546)

Definition of Trademark in Sweden

A trademark is a distinct sign that distinguishes your product or service from your competitors. When you register a trademark, you will have the exclusive right to use it for a long time, protecting your intellectual property rights. A trademark can be words, images, logos, or a combination of these elements.

Benefits of registering a trademark in Sweden

• Intellectual Property Protection: Make sure you are the legal and sole owner of the trademark.
• Prevent unfair competition: Prevent acts of counterfeiting, counterfeiting products, protect trademark reputation.
• Enhance brand recognition: Make it easy for customers to identify and differentiate your product from competitors.
• Enhancing Brand Value: A registered trademark is a valuable intangible asset that can be valued and transferred.
• Market expansion: Make it easy for you to enter new markets and build an extensive distribution network.
• Anti-counterfeiting, consumer protection: Help consumers distinguish genuine goods from counterfeit goods, protect their rights.

Types of trademarks that can be registered in Sweden

• Word trademark: Includes words, letters, or numbers used to identify goods or services
• Graphic trademark: Graphic representations, logos, or symbols used to distinguish products or services.
• Combination trademark: Combines both word and figure elements.
• Sound trademark: Special sounds may be trademarked, provided they can be represented graphically.
• Color trademark: Specific colors can be registered as trademarks if they are used in a special way.
• 3D trademark: The shape of a product or its packaging can be registered as a trademark if it is of a special nature.
• Motion trademark: Motion elements or animations can be registered as trademarks.

Conditions for registering a trademark in Sweden

• Uniqueness: Your brand should be unique and easily distinguishable from other brands in the same market. The design of the brand itself should be enough to distinguish your goods or services from competitors.
• Legality: Your trademark must not violate any laws or regulations. It must not be misleading or deceptive. It must not contain any elements that infringe on the rights of others, such as copyright or personal rights.
• Clarity and Reproducibility: Trademarks must be clear and reproducible in a variety of forms. It must be able to be graphically represented in order to register.

Guide to Trademark Search in Sweden

To search for trademarks in Sweden, you can directly access the Trademark Database of  the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) via the link below:

https://tc.prv.se/VarumarkesDbWeb/searchMain.jsp;jsessionid=7CBDC9CA7B56F04D6428C94590374E40

Guidelines for Preparing Trademark Registration Documents in Sweden

• Trademark registration application: Customers can refer to the application form at the following link: https://www.prv.se/en/online-services-and-forms/trademark-online-services/trademark-forms/ and the applicant need to complete the following information:
  • Name and address of the applicant (individual or business)
  • Brand type (word, logo, image, etc.)
  • A detailed description of the trademark (meaning, color, typography, etc.)
  • List of goods or services according to the Nice classification system
  • Application Fee
• Trademark Templates: Two clear and easily visible copies of the trademark printed on a white background. If the trademark is colorful, a clear note should be made.
• Identification documents:
  • A copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport (if it is an individual).
  • Business registration certificate or business license (if it is an enterprise).
• Power of attorney (if applicable): If the applicant hires an attorney or legal representative to file the application, a valid power of attorney is required.
• Additional documents (if any): If the trademark has special elements, the applicant needs to provide explanatory or illustrative documents. For example, if the trademark is a complex logo, the applicant can provide technical drawings.
• Fee payment receipt

Guide to file a trademark registration dossier in Sweden

To file a trademark protection application in Sweden, you can file by the following filing methods:

• Direct filing: Clients can go directly to the Swedish Intellectual Property Office at Trademarks, Industrial designs Box 530 826 27 Söderhamn to submit the application and related documents.
• By post: You can send the application and all the necessary documents via postal service or courier service to the Swedish Intellectual Property Office at Trademarks, Industrial designs Box 530 826 27 Söderhamn.
• Submit online via the following system:

https://cfo.prv.se/sp-ui-tmefiling/wizard.htm?execution=e1s1

If you want to file a trademark application in Sweden, please contact Viet An Law for the most effective support.