How to legally register a trademark in Kosovo to save money? The following article will analyze in detail the trademark registration process in Kosovo, notes, and procedures for trademark registration in Kosovo to protect trademarks for businesses.
Kosovo is one of several countries that apply the “first to file” principle, so registering a trademark in this country is a must to be granted the right to a trademark. Only in exceptional cases can an unregistered well-known mark be protected. Trademark applications must be filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Kosovo (KIPA).
Requirements for trademark registration in Kosovo
An application for international trademark registration in Kosovo must contain the following contents:
- Trademark selected for registration;
- Details of the applicant;
- List of goods and/or services registered for the mark.
Examination, publication, and objection to trademark applications in Kosovo
Trademark applications in Kosovo will undergo a formal and substantive examination.
An objection to the registration of a trademark may be filed within 3 months from the date of publication of the mark in the Official Bulletin of the Kosovo Intellectual Property Office.
Validity period and renewal of trademarks in Kosovo
The term of a trademark registered in Kosovo is 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed every 10 years. Renewal applications must be filed within 6 months before the expiration date of the mark, but can also be filed within 6 months after the expiration of the trademark for an additional fee.
Use requirements for trademarks
Although trademarks do not need to be used to be registered, marks in Kosovo after being issued with a Certificate can be canceled if not used for a continuous period of 5 years after the trademark is registered.
Trademark registration representative in Kosovo
For applicants for international trademark registration in Kosovo, a trademark search in Kosovo should be performed through a Kosovo-based intellectual property agent and law firm.