Anyone who wants to register a trademark in Germany is often not in a hurry: whether it’s a product launch, international trademark protection or strategic protection – speed can make a real difference. This is exactly what the accelerated examination at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) is for.

What does “fast track” at the DPMA actually mean?

In the German trade mark procedure, the DPMA does not officially speak of “fast track”, but of accelerated examination. This means that you file a request in addition to the trade mark application so that your application is processed as a priority. Decisive: If you cooperate sufficiently, the DPMA aims to decide on the application within six months of filing under the accelerated procedure.

The term “decide” is important: This can be registration – but it can also be an objection (e.g. due to absolute grounds for refusal). Fast track therefore does not automatically mean “registration guaranteed”, but “faster official reaction”.

Concrete times: What is realistic?

Without fast-track, the duration of the procedure varies greatly – depending on the workload at the office, the quality of the application and any objections. In practice, an order of magnitude of several months is often quoted (often around 6-8 months).

With fast-track (accelerated assessment), the guard rail applies: decision after 6 months at the latest, provided you cooperate quickly and fully.

And even after registration, you should allow for time: An objection can be lodged within three months of publication. Fast Track does not shorten this opposition period – it “only” gets you to registration/official decision faster.

Costs and formal points

There is an additional fee of 200 euros for the application for accelerated examination. This fee must be paid within three months of submitting the application – otherwise the request for expedited examination is deemed to have been withdrawn and the procedure continues as normal.

Advantages: When fast track really helps at the DPMA

Fast trademark protection for launches: If a product launch, app release, trade fair or rebranding is time-critical, fast track at the DPMA can be a real competitive advantage – especially if you want to have a registration right in hand early on.

Strategically useful for international expansion (IR trademark): The DPMA calls the fast track particularly interesting if you subsequently want to register your trademark internationally (IR).

Earlier clarity about official risks: You get faster feedback on whether absolute grounds for refusal(Section 8 MarkenG) are present – and can adapt your trademark strategy accordingly.

Disadvantages: Where fast track can disappoint at the DPMA

Additional costs without a “guarantee of success”: 200 euros are quickly invested – but if the trademark is objected to due to obstacles to protection, you only buy yourself a faster objection.

Obligations to cooperate are becoming more “time-critical”: Fast track only works well if the application is properly prepared and you respond quickly to official letters. The DPMA itself points out that, for example, electronic filing and a list of goods/services from the harmonized database can speed up processing.

Risk of opposition remains: Even after fast-track registration, an objection can be lodged within three months. Those who only use fast track to “have peace of mind quickly” are often disappointed.

Practical legal tip: How to get the most out of fast track at the DPMA

Preliminary research (identity/similarity) reduces the risk of later conflicts. List of goods and services precise, but not unnecessarily broad: too broad increases the risk of conflicts and complaints. Electronic submission and clean classification speed up the process. Plan response deadlines internally: In the event of queries from the office, you should deliver quickly so that the 6-month target is not jeopardized by a lack of cooperation.

Frequently asked questions about fast track at the DPMA