Cyprus introduces new Trademark Law

Cyprus has enforced newly amended trademark legislation, which was published in the official gazette on June 12, 2020. The new law incorporates the European Trademarks Directive into the country's national trademark system, creating a smoother process for filing, renewal and opposition proceedings in relation to trademarks.

First and foremost, multiple class applications are now permitted in Cyprus, an amendment which has been enforced in many EU member states who have also transposed the Directive into national legislation in recent years. Furthermore, the definition of a trademark has been expanded, allowing for the registration of unconventional trademarks. Representations of a trademark may now take the form of colours, shapes, packaging and sound.

With regard to the registration of a trademark, the fees for the complete registration process have been combined into one filing fee. Previously, applicants would be required to pay for filing, publication and the issuance of a certificate separately.

Once registered, the duration of a trademark has been extended from 7 years from the date of filing to 10 years from the date of filing. Further amendments have been made aiming to provide ease of the opposition process. The opposition period, for instance, has been extended from a period of two months to three months after publication has occurred.

Among other significant amendments, modern technology has been substantially utilised to the benefit of applicants, who may now file missing documents via online resources. Furthermore, the publication of trademark applications can be facilitated on the website of the Official Intellectual and Industrial Property Department.

The amended trademark law in Cyprus is a significant step towards international harmonisation of IP systems and procedures. Alongside harmonisation typically comes ease of access, thus encouraging applicants to file for IP protection, a vital aim in mitigating the impact of current global circumstances on the IP field.