Overview

Amazon Brand Registry requires sellers to provide specific trademark details during enrollment, and the German trademark system has its own unique structure that can be confusing to navigate. This reference guide walks sellers through the process of locating the correct trademark information from Germany's patent and trademark office (DPMA) to successfully complete a Brand Registry application.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• DPMA is the primary source - The Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt (DPMA) is Germany's official trademark office, and sellers must use it to look up their trademark details for Brand Registry enrollment.
• Exact trademark name spelling matters - Amazon requires the trademark name to be entered exactly as it appears in the DPMA records, so sellers must verify the precise spelling and format before submitting.
• File type determines the trademark office selection - The DPMA record contains a file type code (DE, IR, or EM) that dictates whether sellers should select DPMA or EUIPO as their trademark office in the application.
• Both registered and pending trademarks qualify - Amazon accepts German trademarks that are either fully registered or pending registration, but certain statuses remain ineligible.
• Only word marks and design marks are accepted initially - Other trademark types can be added after initial enrollment but cannot be used for the first Brand Registry application.

How to Search for Your Trademark on DPMA

Sellers should begin by visiting the DPMA online database and entering their trademark number, keywords, or other identifying information into the search field. The database allows filtering by German trademarks, EU trademarks, and international trademarks to narrow results. After running the search, sellers should click on the hyperlink for their trademark number in the results table to access the full record. Within the record, the trademark name can be found in the row labeled "of the mark," and this exact name must be entered into the Brand Registry application without any modifications.

Choosing the Correct Trademark Office