The short answer
A Slovenian trade mark lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed an unlimited number of times for 10 years each. Pay the maintenance fee in the year before the due date, or within a 6-month grace period with a 50% late fee. The holder of an earlier mark has 3 months from publication to oppose. A mark is subject to sanctions after 5 years without genuine use, and foreign persons must act through a representative.
Trademark deadlines in Slovenia at a glance
These rules come from the Industrial Property Act (Official Gazette No. 45/01), in the unofficial English consolidated version on WIPO Lex as amended up to 27 July 2023. The Slovenian text is authoritative and later amendments can apply, so we confirm the current text and fees with SIPO before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the filing date, renewable an unlimited number of times for another 10 years (Article 52). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date of the application, and each renewal counts from the filing date as well (Article 52(1) and (2)). |
| When can I renew? | Maintenance fees for a trade mark fall due every 10 years counted from the filing date, and must be paid within the year preceding the due date. SIPO notifies the holder at least 6 months before the due date (Article 109). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. The fee can be paid within a 6-month grace period from the due date together with a late payment fee of 50% of the unpaid amount. If it is not paid even then, the right lapses on the day after the due date (Article 110). |
| Opposition period | Within 3 months of publication of the application, the holder of an earlier trade mark, and certain other persons, can file a written opposition on the grounds in Article 44. The applicant can state a position within 3 months of notification (Articles 101 and 102). |
| Reply to an office action | The Office invites the applicant to state its position on reasons for refusal within the time set in the invitation, usually three months. Third parties can also send observations, but do not become parties (Article 100 and the examination provisions). |
| Priority claim | The right of priority for trade marks is 6 months from the filing date of the first application in a Paris Union country or a WTO member. The priority details are given within 3 months of filing (Article 61). |
| Non-use | If within 5 years following the entry of the mark in the register the holder has not put it to genuine use in Slovenia, or use has been interrupted for 5 consecutive years, the mark is subject to revocation and other sanctions unless justified reasons exist for non-use (Article 52b). |
| Assignment | We record transfers and licences so the register shows the new holder. The Act provides for registering rights in the register, and we confirm the current procedure and fee before filing. |
Who can register a trademark in Slovenia
Any person can apply. Foreign persons without residence or a real undertaking in Slovenia use a representative, though they may file an application and pay fees themselves (Article 129).
Representation. Foreign persons with neither residence nor a real and effective undertaking in Slovenia must act through a representative before the Office. They can file an application, pay fees and receive documents without one, but must give a correspondence address in Slovenia (Article 129).
Trademark registration process in Slovenia
Search
- Search the the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), through your Slovenian IP 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 examination, the application is published and the holder of an earlier mark can oppose within 3 months (Article 101).
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 Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) 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.
Slovenia trademark validity and renewal
- The term is 10 years from the filing date.
- Pay the maintenance fee within the year before the due date.
- A 6-month grace period applies with a 50% late fee, then the right lapses.
- Use the mark in Slovenia to avoid revocation after 5 years of non-use.
Diarise the expiry date from the date stated on your certificate and renew early.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Slovenian trademark
Transfer
Change of ownership
Recorded in the register. We confirm the procedure and fee before filing.
Licence
Licensing the mark
Recorded in the register at the holder's request.
Renewal scope
Fewer goods
A mark can be renewed for all goods or only some of them (Article 52(3)).
Collective marks
Associations
The Act has special rules for collective marks, including use by one entitled person (Article 52b(4)).
Non-use and cancellation of a Slovenian trademark
Under Article 52b, a mark that has not been used for 5 years is subject to revocation unless justified reasons exist. Revocation and invalidation are dealt with in Chapter Eight of the Act, before the Office or the court.
Keep dated proof of use in Slovenia: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Slovenia
Search the SIPO trade mark register and the official gazette where applications are published. The 3-month opposition period runs from publication.
Sources used
- Industrial Property Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia No. 45/01, as amended up to 27 July 2023), English text on WIPO Lex: Articles 52, 52b, 61, 101, 102, 109, 110 and 129.
- Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) for the register, forms and fees.
Slovenia trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Slovenia, and from when?
10 years from the filing date, renewable an unlimited number of times for another 10 years (Article 52). It counts from the filing date (Article 52).
When should I renew a Slovenian trademark, and is there a grace period?
Maintenance fees for a trade mark fall due every 10 years counted from the filing date, and must be paid within the year preceding the due date. SIPO notifies the holder at least 6 months before the due date (Article 109).
What is the opposition period in Slovenia?
Within 3 months of publication of the application, the holder of an earlier trade mark, and certain other persons, can file a written opposition on the grounds in Article 44. The applicant can state a position within 3 months of notification (Articles 101 and 102).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Slovenia?
The official fee is set by the the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) 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 Slovenia?
Yes, but a foreign applicant with no residence or establishment in Slovenia must act through a representative or give a correspondence address in Slovenia. We file through a Slovenian IP attorney (Article 129).
Can I assign a Slovenian trademark?
We record transfers and licences so the register shows the new holder. The Act provides for registering rights in the register, and we confirm the current procedure and fee before filing.
Can a Slovenian trademark be cancelled for non-use?
If within 5 years following the entry of the mark in the register the holder has not put it to genuine use in Slovenia, or use has been interrupted for 5 consecutive years, the mark is subject to revocation and other sanctions unless justified reasons exist for non-use (Article 52b).
How can I check the status of a Slovenian trademark?
Use the the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
The right of priority for trade marks is 6 months from the filing date of the first application in a Paris Union country or a WTO member. The priority details are given within 3 months of filing (Article 61).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Slovenia
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