The short answer
Under the Trade Marks Law (Cap. 268, as replaced by Law 63(I) of 2020) a trade mark is registered for 10 years from the filing date and renewed for periods of 10 years. Renew in the last 6 months of protection or in an additional 6 months after expiry with an increased fee. Opposition is open for 3 months from publication, and a mark can be revoked after 5 years without genuine use.
Trademark deadlines in Cyprus at a glance
These rules come from the Trade Marks Law 2020 (Law 63(I) of 2020, replacing the Trade Marks Law, Cap. 268), in the English text on WIPO Lex. Fees and forms are in the regulations, so we confirm them before we file. A Cyprus mark is separate from an EU trade mark, which also covers Cyprus.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the filing date, renewable for further periods of 10 years (Section 34). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date of the application (Section 34(1)). |
| When can I renew? | The request for renewal and payment of the renewal fee are made within the last six months of the protection (Section 34(3)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. The renewal can also be done within an additional 6 months after the end of the decade, with the renewal fee increased by the percentage in the regulations. The Office informs the proprietor 6 months before expiry but is not liable if it fails to do so. If the renewal is not made in time, the mark is expunged (Section 34(3) to (5)). |
| Opposition period | An opposition against the Registrar's decision for registration is lodged within 3 months of publication. Absolute grounds can be raised by any person with a legitimate interest, and relative grounds by the owners of earlier rights. The opposition is in writing and is admissible only after the fee is paid (Sections 28 to 30). |
| Reply to an office action | The Registrar issues a decision and, where there are objections, the applicant has set time limits to respond. A decision for refusal can be appealed under the Law. |
| Priority claim | The priority right lasts six months from the first filing (the priority provisions of the Law). |
| Non-use | The proprietor's rights are revoked in whole or in part if, within a continuous period of five years from registration, the mark was not put to genuine use for the registered goods or services, or if use is discontinued for five consecutive years, unless there are proper reasons (Section 39). |
| Assignment | A mark can be assigned or licensed and the transaction recorded in the register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar. |
Who can register a trademark in Cyprus
Any person can apply for a trade mark. The Law also covers collective and certification marks.
Representation. We act as your agent before the Cyprus Registrar. We confirm any local representation rule before filing.
Trademark registration process in Cyprus
Search
- Search the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus, through your Cypriot agent.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After the Registrar's decision, an opposition can be lodged within 3 months of publication, in writing with the fee paid. The parties then have two months at each stage to file their observations (Sections 28 to 30).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Cyprus trademark validity and renewal
- A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date.
- Renew in the last 6 months of the term.
- An additional 6 months after expiry is allowed with an increased fee.
- Use the mark to avoid revocation after 5 years of non-use.
Diarise the last six months of the 10-year term from the filing date.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Cypriot trademark
Renewal
Increased fee
Late renewal costs more than a timely one (Section 34(3)).
Non-use
Defence in opposition
Non-use can be raised as a defence in opposition and in other proceedings (Sections 31, 43 and 44).
Revocation
5 years
Revocation for non-use follows 5 years (Section 39).
Invalidity
Court
Revocation and invalidity proceedings are covered in Section 42.
Non-use and cancellation of a Cypriot trademark
Revocation is available for 5 years without genuine use, or if the mark becomes the common name or misleading through the owner's conduct (Section 39). Procedures are in Section 42, and non-use can also be used as a defence in invalidity and infringement proceedings (Sections 43 and 44).
Keep dated proof of use in Cyprus: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Cyprus
Search the Cyprus trade mark register for publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Trade Marks Law 2020 (Law 63(I) of 2020), Cyprus, English text on WIPO Lex: Sections 28 to 31, 34, 39, 42 to 44.
- The Registrar for the regulations, fees and forms.
Cyprus trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Cyprus, and from when?
10 years from the filing date, renewable for further periods of 10 years (Section 34). It counts from the filing date (Section 34).
When should I renew a Cypriot trademark, and is there a grace period?
The request for renewal and payment of the renewal fee are made within the last six months of the protection (Section 34(3)).
What is the opposition period in Cyprus?
An opposition against the Registrar's decision for registration is lodged within 3 months of publication. Absolute grounds can be raised by any person with a legitimate interest, and relative grounds by the owners of earlier rights. The opposition is in writing and is admissible only after the fee is paid (Sections 28 to 30).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Cyprus?
The official fee is set by the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Cyprus?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Cyprus, normally through a local agent. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Cypriot trademark?
A mark can be assigned or licensed and the transaction recorded in the register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar.
Can a Cypriot trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The proprietor's rights are revoked in whole or in part if, within a continuous period of five years from registration, the mark was not put to genuine use for the registered goods or services, or if use is discontinued for five consecutive years, unless there are proper reasons (Section 39).
How can I check the status of a Cypriot trademark?
Use the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
The priority right lasts six months from the first filing (the priority provisions of the Law).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property of Cyprus so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Cyprus
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Cypriot deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
