Europe

Denmark

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Denmark.

Authority

DKPTO — Patent- og Varemærkestyrelsen

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

DKPTO Online Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Denmark
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Denmark

Danish invention patents can be obtained through DKPTO (national route) or the European Patent Office (EPO). Denmark is an EPC member state and an EU member — European patents designating Denmark take effect after grant and validation; the Unitary Patent also covers Denmark. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date.

Patent Filing Routes ▾

1. **DK national patent** — Filed in Danish or English with DKPTO; Denmark-only protection; 2. **European patent (EPO)** — Filed via EPO, designating Denmark; validated after grant; 3. **Unitary Patent** — Unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Denmark and other participating states; 4. **PCT route** — PCT applications enter the European phase via EPO.

Source: DKPTO; EPO official website

Unitary Patent Coverage ▾

Denmark participates in the EU Unitary Patent system. Requesting unitary effect after EPO grant covers all participating states — reducing the burden and cost of per-country validation.

Source: EPO Unitary Patent information

Patent Term ▾

Danish invention patents have a standard term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: DKPTO; EPO

Utility Model ▾

Denmark has a utility model system with a shorter term and simpler examination procedure, suitable for inventions requiring faster protection. See DKPTO for specific rules.

Source: DKPTO official website

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Denmark

Danish trademarks can be registered nationally via DKPTO, obtained as an EUTM via EUIPO, or designated in a Madrid international application.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾

1. **DK national trademark** — Filed in Danish with DKPTO; Denmark only; 2. **EU Trade Mark (EUTM)** — Filed with EUIPO; covers all 27 EU states including Denmark; 3. **Madrid application** — Denmark can be designated (member since 1996); DKPTO handles examination.

Source: DKPTO; EUIPO; WIPO Madrid

Registration Term and Renewal ▾

Danish national trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: DKPTO official website

EUTM Efficiency ▾

An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states (including Denmark) in a single application — generally more cost-effective for multi-country EU coverage.

Source: EUIPO official website

Patent Annuity

Denmark Patent Annuities

Danish patent annuities: European patents (including Unitary Patent) pay to EPO; national patents pay to DKPTO. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: DKPTO; EPO

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Denmark Trademark Renewals

Danish trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewed with DKPTO (national) or EUIPO (EUTM), every 10 years.

Source: DKPTO; EUIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Denmark IP

Does Denmark participate in the Unitary Patent? ▾

Yes. Denmark participates in the Unitary Patent. A unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Denmark and other participating states.

Does an EUTM cover Denmark? ▾

Yes. An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states, including Denmark.

Does Denmark have utility model protection? ▾

Yes. Denmark has a utility model system with a simpler examination process, suitable for inventions needing faster protection.

How long does a Danish invention patent last? ▾

20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

What is the PCT national phase deadline for Denmark? ▾

Typically 31 months from the priority date (via EPO European phase).

Can Denmark be designated in a Madrid trademark application? ▾

Yes. Denmark joined the Madrid Protocol in 1996 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.

How long is a Danish trademark valid? ▾

10 years, renewable indefinitely.

What language is required for Danish IP filings? ▾

Danish national patent applications can be filed in Danish or English; trademark applications are typically filed in Danish. EPO/EUIPO applications follow each office's language requirements.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) www.dkpto.dk European Patent Office (EPO) www.epo.org EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) euipo.europa.eu WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Denmark (DK) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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