The EU trade mark gives its proprietor a uniform right applicable in all member states of the European Union on the strength of a single procedure which simplifies trade mark policies at European level.
It fulfils the three essential functions of a trade mark at European level: it identifies the origin of goods and services, guarantees consistent quality through evidence of the company's commitment to the consumer, and is a form of communication, a basis for publicity and advertising.
The rules of law applicable to it are similar to those applied to national trade marks by the Member States.
The EU Trade Mark concept originated in 1964 in a draft of a "Convention on European Trademark Law".
Regulation came into effect with Council Regulation (EC) No 40/94 of 20 December 1993 on the Community trade mark: A trade mark for goods or services which is registered in accordance with the conditions contained in this Regulation and in the manner herein provided is hereinafter referred to as a "Community trade mark" [4]but it was not until 1 April 1996 that the first CTM applications were processed and the register began to operate.