Europe

Netherlands

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

Authority

RVO

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

BOIP Trademark 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 Netherlands
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 Netherlands

Dutch patents are administered by the Netherlands Patent Centre (RVO), with a 20-year term from filing. The Netherlands is a contracting state of the EPO; European patents can be validated in the Netherlands via EPO. PCT applications can enter via EPO regional phase (31 months). Dutch trademarks are handled by BOIP (Benelux Office for IP) — **a single BOIP registration covers the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg** (the Benelux territory).

BOIP Trademark: One Registration Covers NL + BE + LU ▾

A **Benelux Trademark** (BOIP) is a regional registration covering **the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg** in a single filing. This offers cost-effective protection for all three countries. In European trademark strategies, the Benelux trademark is distinct from EUTM (which also covers these three countries). Filing with BOIP is more economical if coverage is primarily needed for the Benelux region.

Source: Benelux Convention on IP; BOIP guidelines

PCT Entry for Netherlands (via EPO Regional Phase) ▾

- NL PCT applications most commonly enter via the **EPO regional phase** (deadline: 31 months from priority date) - Direct NL national phase entry is also available (30 months) - EU Unitary Patent (UPC) since June 2023 provides single-grant coverage across UPC member states (including NL)

Source: EPO PCT regional phase; NL Patent Centre (RVO)

Madrid System (Member since 1893) ▾

The Netherlands (through the Benelux/BOIP) has been a long-standing Madrid Protocol member. Designating "Benelux" in a Madrid international filing covers the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in a single designation.

Source: WIPO Madrid — Benelux member; BOIP

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Netherlands

Dutch trademark protection is administered by BOIP — **a single BOIP registration covers the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg**. Registrations are valid for 10 years from filing, renewable indefinitely. Can be designated via Madrid (designating "Benelux" covers all three countries).

Trademark Examination Process (BOIP) ▾

BOIP examines on absolute grounds only (not relative grounds — it does not search for conflicting prior marks). After examination, the mark is published for 2 months. Typical timeline: ~4–8 months (without opposition). Note: Since BOIP does not examine relative grounds, conflicts with prior marks must be addressed through opposition proceedings.

Source: Benelux Convention on IP; BOIP guidelines

Term and Renewal ▾

BOIP trademark registrations: 10 years from filing; renewable every 10 years. Renewal maintains coverage across NL, BE, and LU.

Source: Benelux Convention on IP

Patent Annuity

Netherlands Patent Annuities

Dutch national patents require annual fees from year 2 until expiry (20 years). EPO-validated Dutch patents follow EPO annuity rules. Late payments incur a surcharge.

Source: NL Patent Act; RVO fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Netherlands Trademark Renewals

BOIP trademark: 10 years from filing; 10-year renewals covering Benelux.

Source: Benelux Convention on IP

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Netherlands IP

Which countries does a BOIP trademark cover? ▾

A single BOIP registration covers the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (collectively the Benelux territory). It is a unified regional filing.

Do I need a BOIP trademark if I already have an EUTM? ▾

If you already have an EUTM (covering all 27 EU member states, including NL, BE, and LU), you do not need a separate BOIP registration. However, if you only need Benelux coverage, BOIP is more cost-effective than EUTM.

Can I use the Madrid System to file trademarks in the Netherlands? ▾

Yes. Designating 'Benelux' in a Madrid international application covers the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in a single designation. BOIP examines the designation under Benelux trademark law.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

BOIP Official Website www.boip.int NL Patent Centre (RVO) octrooicentrum.nl WIPO PCT Guide — NL www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid — Benelux Member Info www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

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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