Jurisdiction(s):
European Union

EU certification and collective trade marks: purpose, eligibility, regulations, registration, maintenance, and interaction with PGIs, standard trade marks and anti-greenwashing rules

Published by a LexisNexis EU Law expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note explores collective trade marks and certification trade marks in the EU. It outlines their purpose, how they differ from conventional trade marks, and the extent of their protection. It also clarifies who may own and use each type of mark, together with the requirements for registration. For guidance on the UK position, see Practice Note: Collective marks and certification marks in the UK.

What are collective trade marks and certification trade marks?

Like traditional trade marks, certification and collective marks serve to inform consumers’ purchasing decisions. A certification mark signals that goods bought, or services supplied, under the sign comply with a defined standard. A collective mark, by contrast, indicates that the goods or services come from an undertaking belonging to a specified association. In a consumer’s mind, the link between that undertaking and the association may communicate particular attributes or qualities of the offering.

Certification marks: guarantee that goods purchased or services rendered under the sign meet a specified standard.
Collective marks: show that the goods or services are supplied by an undertaking that is part of a particular association, a link that may suggest certain qualities to consumers.

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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