A trademark is any sign that identifies the goods or services of one business and distinguishes them from those of another.

In Cyprus, the national legislation governing trademarks is the Trademarks Law, Cap. 268, as amended, which incorporates the EU Trademark Directive and aligns national practice with European standards.

Registering a trademark confers exclusive rights on its proprietor, enabling them to prevent third parties from using identical or confusingly similar marks in their commercial activities. A registered mark also strengthens enforcement, licensing, assignment, and the development of commercial goodwill.

The Cyprus Intellectual Property Office (the CYIPO) accepts a wide range of marks for registration, provided they meet the legal requirements of clarity, precision, and distinctiveness.

These include, among others, the following:

• Word marks: names, words, letters.
• Figurative/logos: images, symbols, stylised text.
• Combined marks: text + logo together.
• 3D marks: shapes of products or packaging.
• Colour marks: a colour that uniquely identifies your goods/services.
• Sound marks: musical notes, jingles.
• Collective or certification marks: marks used by associations or groups to show standards.

A detailed explanation of all registrable trademark categories is available on the CYIPO website on the “Types of Trademarks” information page, which can be accessed here.

Not all signs are eligible for trademark registration under Cypriot law. Certain marks will be refused if they fall into any of the following categories:

• Lacking distinctiveness: The mark does not clearly identify the source of goods or services.
• Descriptive or generic elements only: Marks that merely describe the product, service, or its characteristics.
• Commonly used in trade: Words or signs that are widely used in trade.
• Contrary to public policy or accepted principles of morality: Marks that are offensive or inappropriate.
• Misleading: Signs that could deceive consumers about the origin, quality, or characteristics of the goods and services.
• Protected emblems without authorisation: Using official symbols, flags, or emblems without authorisation.
• Conflicts with earlier trademarks: Marks that are identical or confusingly similar to existing trademarks, creating a likelihood of confusion.

Understanding these grounds for refusal is essential to ensure that your chosen trademark complies with legal requirements and has the best chance of successful registration.

While the trademark registration application process in Cyprus is relatively straightforward, conducting proper due diligence before filing is highly recommended.

Search for earlier marks

Before submitting an application for registration of a national trademark with CYIPO, it is essential to check for existing trademarks that may conflict with your proposed mark. Searches should be conducted across:

• CYIPO’s register for national trademarks.
• EUIPO database for EU trademarks.
• WIPO’s Madrid Monitor for international registrations designating Cyprus.

These searches help identify potential conflicts, which could result in a refusal by CYIPO or objections of proprietors of earlier marks.

Assess the distinctiveness of the mark and confirm correct classification

Applicants should also assess the distinctiveness of their proposed mark and ensure that the list of goods and services is accurately defined according to the Nice Classification system. Correct classification is crucial because it:

• Avoids overlap with existing trademarks, reducing the risk of unnecessary objections or refusals;
• Defines the accurate scope of protections;
• Minimises the risk of refusal from CYIPO, such as vague and inaccurate descriptions of classes; and
• Strengthens the proprietor’s ability to enforce the trademark.

By confirming distinctiveness and proper classification in advance, applicants can avoid common pitfalls, making the registration process smoother, faster and more cost-effective.

Preliminary opinion by CYIPO

Before filing an application for registration of a trademark with CYIPO, applicants may request a preliminary opinion on the registrability of their proposed mark. These requests are generally prioritised, and based on CYIPO’s current practice, opinions are typically issued within approximately two weeks.

Conducting a pre-registration check of the proposed mark is highly beneficial. This earlier review can identify potential issues, such as similar existing trademarks or lack of distinctiveness.

Spotting these risks in advance can help prevent refusals, objections, and delays.

The CYIPO follows a structured, multi-stage procedure as follows:

1. Filing the application: Applicants submit a representation of the proposed mark together with a list of goods and services, either electronically or in person.
2. Formal examination: CYIPO checks that all administrative requirements are met. If any information is missing, applicants may be asked to provide corrections.
3. Substantive examination: CYIPO assesses the proposed mark’s distinctiveness, legality, and potential conflicts with earlier rights. If objections arise, applicants may respond with arguments or amendments to the proposed mark.
4. Publication: Accepted applications are published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus.
5. Objection period: Third parties may file objections based on earlier rights or other statutory grounds.
6. Registration: If no objections are filed, or if any objections are resolved in favour of the applicants, the proposed mark is formally registered.

A registered trademark in Cyprus is protected for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely in ten-year intervals. Renewal applications can be submitted up to six months before the expiry of the current 10-year term, which is recommended to ensure continues protection.

Our team frequently supports clients with checking whether a mark is likely to be accepted, preparing and filing the application for registration, dealing with CYIPO during the examination process, handling renewals, or managing any disputes that might arise, including, among others, processes and claims pending before the CYIPO and the competent Courts in Cyprus.

We can also assist with international trademark protection, including filings through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), helping businesses secure and enforce their rights beyond Cyprus. For information on the requirements and registration process, please visit their official websites: WIPO and EUIPO.