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German Utility Model: What official fees are charged by the DPMA?

The German utility model is particularly attractive for many technical IP protection strategies primarily because it can be registered relatively quickly. Unlike a patent, the DPMA does not comprehensively examine before registration whether the invention is actually new and inventive. Precisely for that reason, the utility model is not a “small patent,” but an independent intellectual property right with its own fee structure.

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Trademark Applications in Berlin 2025: Top Applicants and Market Development at a Glance

Berlin remains a strong trademark hub. In 2025, a total of 6,391 trademark applications were filed by companies and private individuals based in Berlin. This was 1,253 more applications than in 2024, representing an increase of around 24.4%.

After the decline between 2022 and 2024, filing activity has picked up noticeably again. The 2025 figure is only slightly below the previous peak recorded in 2021.

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Distinctiveness of Slogans – DPMA Implements Common Practice as of 16 February 2026

Since 2012, the trademark offices of the EU Member States and the EUIPO have been working in convergence projects to achieve the most consistent decision-making practice possible. Convergence Project 17 (KP17/CP17) addresses the question of when slogans are distinctive enough to be registered as trademarks and which factors typically play a role.

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IP Recruiting 2026: Fewer Job Ads – An Opportunity for Smaller Law Firms?

Anyone who has ever recruited as a smaller patent law firm knows the dilemma:

Good candidates are scarce — and when suitable profiles are open to change or graduates are looking to enter the IP field, large firms or industry/in-house positions often win out.

That is exactly why we have observed the market over a longer period of time — almost three years. Not out of curiosity, but to answer a very practical question:

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Trademark Applications from Velbert: Top Applicants 2025 and Development Over Time

In 2025, companies and individuals based in Velbert once again filed a significant number of trademarks at both national and European level. A total of 64 trademark applications were submitted. Compared to the previous year 2024 (57), this represents an increase of 7 applications, marking the highest figure within the observed period.

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