The short answer
Under Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trade Marks, registration lasts ten years from the application filing date. The renewal request can be filed from the last year of validity, or within an additional six months after the last day. Opposition must be filed within three months of publication, and a mark not genuinely used for five years can be revoked. Persons without a seat in Slovakia must be represented by a lawyer or patent attorney.
Trademark deadlines in Slovakia at a glance
These rules come from Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trade Marks, as amended (English text on WIPO Lex). Fees are in separate acts, so we confirm them before we file. Slovakia is an EU member, so an EU trade mark also covers it.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | Ten years from the application filing date, renewable (Section 22). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The application filing date (Section 22(1)). |
| When can I renew? | The request for renewal is filed at the earliest during the last year of validity. The Office renews the registration on request of the proprietor, a pledgee or another person with a legal interest. A reminder is sent at least six months before expiry but is not legally binding (Section 22). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. If the request is not filed in time, it can be filed within an additional period of six months beginning on the day after the last day on which the renewal request could be filed (Section 22(4)). |
| Opposition period | After publication of the application in the Official Gazette, an opposing party can file oppositions within three months of publication. The opposition must specify its grounds and be supported by evidence (Section 30). |
| Reply to an office action | The Office sets a time limit that cannot be shorter than two months to supplement a defective application (Section 25). |
| Priority claim | A priority claim is proved by a priority document within three months from the filing of the application, and is otherwise treated as not made (Section 26). The Convention priority period is six months. |
| Non-use | The Office revokes the trade mark at a third party's request if it was not genuinely used in Slovakia for the registered goods or services within a continuous period of five years, unless the proprietor shows legitimate reasons. Use started or resumed within three months before the request does not prevent revocation (Section 34). |
| Assignment | A transfer, pledge or licence is recorded in the Register on request. We confirm the formalities with the Office. |
Who can register a trademark in Slovakia
A person who has the right to the mark can apply to the Office. Foreigners have the same rights as Slovak citizens, subject to reciprocity where their state is not a party to the relevant conventions or a WTO member (Section 51).
Representation. Persons without a permanent residence or seat in Slovakia must be represented by a lawyer or patent attorney in proceedings before the Office (Section 51(2)).
Trademark registration process in Slovakia
Search
- Search the the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR), through a Slovak lawyer or patent 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 publication in the Official Gazette, oppositions can be filed within three months, with grounds and evidence (Section 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 Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR) 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.
Slovakia trademark validity and renewal
- Registration lasts ten years from the application filing date.
- Request renewal from the last year of validity.
- An additional six-month period applies after the last day.
- Use the mark in Slovakia to avoid revocation after five years.
Diarise the last year of the ten-year term from the filing date.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Slovak trademark
Renewal
Partial possible
Renewal can cover only some goods or services.
Reminder
Not binding
The Office reminds the proprietor but the reminder is not legally binding (Section 22).
Revocation
Third party
Any third party can request revocation for non-use (Section 34).
Representation
Mandatory abroad
Persons without a Slovak seat must be represented (Section 51).
Non-use and cancellation of a Slovak trademark
The Office revokes a trade mark on a third party's request where it has not been genuinely used within a continuous period of five years, unless there are legitimate reasons (Section 34). A related five-year rule applies to the proprietor's duty to prove use against earlier-mark challenges.
Keep dated proof of use in Slovakia: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Slovakia
Search the IPO SR register and the Official Gazette for the filing, publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trade Marks, Slovakia, English text on WIPO Lex: Sections 22, 25, 26, 30, 34 and 51.
- The Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic for fees, forms and the current procedure.
Slovakia trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Slovakia, and from when?
Ten years from the application filing date, renewable (Section 22). It counts from the application filing date (Section 22).
When should I renew a Slovak trademark, and is there a grace period?
The request for renewal is filed at the earliest during the last year of validity. The Office renews the registration on request of the proprietor, a pledgee or another person with a legal interest. A reminder is sent at least six months before expiry but is not legally binding (Section 22).
What is the opposition period in Slovakia?
After publication of the application in the Official Gazette, an opposing party can file oppositions within three months of publication. The opposition must specify its grounds and be supported by evidence (Section 30).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Slovakia?
The official fee is set by the the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR) 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 Slovakia?
Yes. A foreign applicant can register a mark in Slovakia, but a person without a seat in Slovakia must be represented by a lawyer or patent attorney (Section 51). We arrange this.
Can I assign a Slovak trademark?
A transfer, pledge or licence is recorded in the Register on request. We confirm the formalities with the Office.
Can a Slovak trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The Office revokes the trade mark at a third party's request if it was not genuinely used in Slovakia for the registered goods or services within a continuous period of five years, unless the proprietor shows legitimate reasons. Use started or resumed within three months before the request does not prevent revocation (Section 34).
How can I check the status of a Slovak trademark?
Use the the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
A priority claim is proved by a priority document within three months from the filing of the application, and is otherwise treated as not made (Section 26). The Convention priority period is six months.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (IPO SR) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Slovakia
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