If you want to register a trademark in Cyprus and need assistance, our local lawyers are at your service for complete support during the procedure.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Trademarks Law (Chapter 268), Case Law, several international agreements and conventions |
Types of trademarks | Generic, simple, descriptive, service, logos and collective marks can be registered as trademarks in Cyprus |
Special registration for foreigners (YES/NO) | NO, any foreigner can register a trademark in Cyprus |
| Option to register company name as trademark (YES/NO) | YES, trading names can obtain protection |
| Possibility to register domain name as a trademark (YES/NO) | YES, domain names can be registered as Cypriot trademarks |
| Online registration possibility (YES/NO) | YES, the trademark registration documents can be filed online |
| Trademark examination duration (approx.) | 2 months |
| Time to obtain a registration certificate (approx.) | A few days |
| Total duration of trademark registration process (approx.) | 5 to 7 months |
| Validity of registered trademark | 7 years initially |
| Renewal requirements | Renewal application must be filed 6 months before expiry. Renewal is valid for another 14 years |
| International recognition of Cypriot trademark (YES/NO) | Recognition under the Madrid system |
| Special trademark registration requirements (YES/NO) | If not used for 5 years, a Cypriot trademark can be revoked |
| Trademark registration services availability (YES/NO) | YES, we offer support for trademark registration in Cyprus |
| Other IP-rights services availability (YES/NO) | YES, trademark renewal services, international trademark registration and recognition services |
| Required characteristics for trademark | – Uniqueness; – distinctiveness; – not being offensive. |
Forms of trademarks | Trademarks can take the form of letters and words, signs, colors, shapes, or any combination of them |
Pre-registration verification required (YES/NO) | No, prior verification is not required, however, it is recommended |
| Possibility to register a trademark at EU level | Yes, it is possible to register a Cypriot trademark at EU level |
| Possibility to convert an EU trademark into a Cypriot one (YES/NO) | Yes, an European trademark can be converted into a Cypriot one |
| International recognition available for Cypriot trademarks (YES/NO) | Yes, Cypriot trademarks can obtain international recognition |
| Authority in charge of trademark registration | Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry deepening on the registration method |
| International bodies in charge of recognizing Cypriot trademarks | European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) |
| Possibility for natural persons to register trademarks in Cyprus (YES/NO) | Yes, natural persons can also register trademarks in Cyprus |
| Documents to file for trademark registration | – Application form; – description and representation of the trademark; – proof of payment of the registration fee. |
| Costs associated with registering a trademark | Registration fees depend on the type and class of the trademark |
| Trademark opposition availability | A trademark is published in the Official Gazette for 2 months for oppositions to be filed |
| Requirements to use the trademark after registration (YES/NO) | Yes, the trademark must be used at least once in the first 5 years in order to avoid deregistration |
| Possibility to register a trademark through proxy (YES/NO) | Yes, our lawyer in Cyprus can act as proxies in registering trademarks |
| Support in trademark litigation (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our law firm for support in trademark litigation. |
Table of Contents
Can I register a trademark in Cyprus if I am a foreigner?
Yes, you can.
What conditions must a Cypriot trademark meet to be registered?
In order to be registered, a Cypriot trademark must respect the following requirements:
- it must be distinctive,
- it must not resemble any previously registered trademark,
- it must not deceive the public it is intended for.
What types of trademarks can I register in Cyprus?
There are several types of trademarks that can be registered in Cyprus. These are:
- simple trademarks, which are the easiest and cheapest to register;
- service marks which are used for designating the service provided by a company or person;
- collective marks which are used for designating a group of products or services;
- certification marks are marks that have met certain standards before being registered.
Our law firm in Cyprus can help you understand the type of trademark you need to register in accordance with the type of services or products you want to protect.
Here is an infographic:
What are the steps to follow to register a trademark in Cyprus?
- Trademark verification (optional);
- Documents drafting and filing;
- Fee payment;
- Examination and publication;
- Registration certificate issuance.
Is Cypriot trademark verification the same as examination?
No, the first verification is an optional (as you can see above) check you can have performed BEFORE the actual registration. This preliminary verification is recommended by the national authorities and can be performed by one of our Cypriot lawyers.
Will a preliminary verification delay the registration of my Cypriot trademark?
Yes, by a few days, maybe. However, skipping this part may lead to months of delay if an opposition is filed at a later stage of the registration procedure.
What are my trademark registration options in Cyprus?
The first one implies filing the application form with the Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. There are also the options of registering a trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) by mentioning Cyprus as a contracting state.
What are the documents required for trademark registration in Cyprus?
The following:
- the application form;
- a description of the trademark and the services/products it will represent;
- a graphic representation of the trademark;
- proof of payment of the application fee;
- the power of attorney when the application is made through a proxy.
The trademark registration in Cyprus can be handled by our attorneys, as shown in the video below:
How can I file the application for trademark registration in Cyprus?
Online, by post, or in person.
NOTE: Most applications are currently submitted online, as they are faster to process.
Is it possible to register a trademark in Cyprus by proxy?
Yes. You can rely on our law firm in Cyprus for representation through a power of attorney.
How long does it take for a trademark application to be processed in Cyprus?
The procedure can be completed in 6 to 10 months, depending on whether an opposition is filed or not.
How long does it take for the Cypriot trademark registration certificate to be issued?
1 or 2 months.
What is the validity of a trademark in Cyprus?
10 years, with the possibility of renewal for 10 more years indefinitely.
Is it possible for a Cypriot trademark to be revoked?
Yes, not using the trademark for a 5-year period after registration can lead to revocation. There are also other grounds under which a mark can be revoked, such as misuse.
For complete details about the protection of intellectual property rights and the trademark registration procedure, you can contact our law firm in Cyprus.