"Nova" in Spanish = "doesn't go." Chevrolet discovered after launch. "Mist" in German = manure. Literal translations create disasters. Check meanings in all 24 EU languages before filing.
Descriptive Translations
"Blue Sky" rejected in English (descriptive). "Cielo Azul" (Spanish) also rejected. EUIPO treats translation equivalents identically. Generic in one language = generic in all.
Phonetic Conflicts
"Seat" (Spanish cars) sounds like "sit" in English. Confusingly similar to "Sit" furniture brand? EUIPO considers phonetic equivalents across languages. Sound > spelling.
The False Friend Trap
"Gift" = present (English), poison (German/Swedish). Identical spelling, opposite meanings. Germans recoil from "Gift Shop." Context matters.
Meaning Changes
"Pert" shampoo = lively (English), awkward/cheeky (French). Same word, different connotations. Brand perception varies by market. Unintended associations unavoidable.
Registration Strategy
File EU trademark (covers all 27 countries) = €1,800. Alternative: File national trademarks only in target countries. Germany + France + Spain = €3,000 total but ignores 24 others.
Opposition Risks
Existing "Blau" trademark in Germany. You file "Blue" EU trademark. German holder opposes (translation equivalent). EUIPO often sides with prior mark regardless of language.
The Invented Word Advantage
"Spotify," "Skype," "Zalando" = meaningless in all languages. No translation conflicts. No negative meanings. Maximum protection, minimum complications.
Trademark Lens provides basic availability checks but can't catch cultural meanings - hire native speakers for 24-language review before EUIPO filing.