The short answer
Under the Trade Marks Ordinance 5732-1972 (amended up to 2017), a trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and is renewed for 10 years from the expiration date. If the renewal fee is not paid within 6 months after the expiration date (the initial period) the mark is removed, though the fee is higher in that period and restoration is possible. Objections are filed within 3 months of the advertisement, and a mark not used for 3 years can be cancelled.
Trademark deadlines in Israel at a glance
These rules come from the Trade Marks Ordinance 5732-1972 (Israel), as amended up to 5777-2017, in the English text on WIPO Lex. Fees, the renewal timetable and the rules of procedure are in the regulations, so we confirm them with the Israel Patent Office before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the date of filing the application for registration, extendable under Sections 32 to 35 (Section 31). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The date of filing of the application for registration (Section 31). Each renewal runs for 10 years from the expiration date (Section 32). |
| When can I renew? | On the registered proprietor's application in the prescribed manner and time, the Registrar renews the registration for 10 years from the expiration date. Before expiry the Registrar sends a notice of the expiration date and the fee conditions (Sections 32 and 33). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. If the fee is not paid within 6 months after the expiration date (the initial period), the Registrar removes the mark. If the fee is paid within the initial period it is increased by a prescribed amount. The Registrar may restore the registration on application if it is just to do so, if the application is made within 6 months after the initial period ends (Section 33). |
| Opposition period | Any person may file a notice of objection to registration with the Registrar within three months of the advertisement of the application. The grounds are those in Section 24(a1) of the Ordinance (Section 24). |
| Reply to an office action | The Registrar examines the application and tells the applicant of any objection, giving a period to respond, and holds a hearing where needed. Decisions can be appealed to the District Court. |
| Priority claim | The Ordinance recognises Convention priority for applications filed within six months of the first filing (the priority provisions of the Ordinance). |
| Non-use | The Registrar may cancel the registration on application where the mark was registered without a bona fide intention to use it, or where there has been no bona fide use for the registered goods during the 3 years before the application, unless special circumstances in the trade explain the non-use and show no intention to abandon the mark (Section 41). |
| Assignment | A mark can be assigned or licensed, and the transaction is recorded in the register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar. |
Who can register a trademark in Israel
A person who uses or intends to use a mark, resident or not, can apply. The Ordinance also provides for collective and certification marks and for international marks under the Madrid system.
Representation. We act through an Israeli attorney before the Israel Patent Office. We confirm any local representation rule for foreign applicants before filing.
Trademark registration process in Israel
Search
- Search the the Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks), through an Israeli attorney.
- 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 application is advertised, any person can file a notice of objection with the Registrar within three months (Section 24).
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 Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks) 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.
Israel trademark validity and renewal
- Registration is valid for 10 years from the date of filing.
- Renewal is for 10 years from the expiration date.
- The fee can be paid up to 6 months after expiry at a higher rate.
- Use the mark in Israel to avoid cancellation after 3 years.
Diarise the expiry from the filing date and pay the fee before it to avoid the higher rate.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Israeli trademark
Un-renewed mark
One-year effect
A mark removed for non-payment still counts as registered for one year for conflicting applications (Section 34).
Restrictions
No bona fide use
That one-year rule does not apply if there was no bona fide use for two years before removal (Section 35).
Madrid
International
The Ordinance has rules on notices of removal or cancellation of international marks.
Non-use
3 years
Cancellation for non-use follows 3 years (Section 41).
Non-use and cancellation of a Israeli trademark
The Registrar cancels a registration where there was no bona fide intention to use the mark or no bona fide use for three years, subject to special circumstances in the trade (Section 41). Un-renewed marks are removed after the initial period (Section 33).
Keep dated proof of use in Israel: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Israel
Search the Israel Patent Office trademark database for the filing, advertisement, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Trade Marks Ordinance 5732-1972 (Israel), as amended up to 5777-2017, English text on WIPO Lex: Sections 24, 31 to 35 and 41.
- The Israel Patent Office for regulations, fees and forms.
Israel trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Israel, and from when?
10 years from the date of filing the application for registration, extendable under Sections 32 to 35 (Section 31). It counts from the filing date (Section 31).
When should I renew a Israeli trademark, and is there a grace period?
On the registered proprietor's application in the prescribed manner and time, the Registrar renews the registration for 10 years from the expiration date. Before expiry the Registrar sends a notice of the expiration date and the fee conditions (Sections 32 and 33).
What is the opposition period in Israel?
Any person may file a notice of objection to registration with the Registrar within three months of the advertisement of the application. The grounds are those in Section 24(a1) of the Ordinance (Section 24).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Israel?
The official fee is set by the the Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks) 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 Israel?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Israel, directly or through the Madrid system. The Ordinance also has rules for non-resident owners registered in the country of origin (Section 16 and following). We arrange this.
Can I assign a Israeli trademark?
A mark can be assigned or licensed, and the transaction is recorded in the register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar.
Can a Israeli trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The Registrar may cancel the registration on application where the mark was registered without a bona fide intention to use it, or where there has been no bona fide use for the registered goods during the 3 years before the application, unless special circumstances in the trade explain the non-use and show no intention to abandon the mark (Section 41).
How can I check the status of a Israeli trademark?
Use the the Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
The Ordinance recognises Convention priority for applications filed within six months of the first filing (the priority provisions of the Ordinance).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Israel Patent Office (the Registrar of Trademarks) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Israel
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Israeli deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
