Industrial Designs Law in Albania
Industrial Designs Law in Albania
1. Legal Framework
Industrial design protection in Albania is governed by:
Law No. 9947, dated 07/07/2008 “On Industrial Designs”, as amended.
Administered by the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.
Albania is a member of several international treaties, including:
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (since 2021)
TRIPS Agreement
European Union Association Agreement (facilitating harmonization with EU IP standards)
2. What Can Be Protected?
Industrial designs include the appearance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from features such as lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, and/or materials.
The design must be new and have individual character.
Designs dictated solely by technical function or those contrary to public order or morality cannot be protected.
3. Registration Process
Filing Authority: General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP)
Steps:
Application Filing with:
Representation of the design (drawings/photos).
Description of the product to which the design applies.
Formal Examination for compliance.
Substantive Examination to verify novelty and individual character.
Publication in the official bulletin.
Registration if requirements are met.
4. Duration of Protection
The initial protection term is 5 years from the filing date.
Renewable in 5-year increments up to a total maximum of 25 years.
5. Rights Conferred
The registered owner has the exclusive right to use the industrial design.
Right to prevent unauthorized copying, imitation, or use of the design.
The design can be licensed, assigned, or used as collateral.
6. Infringement and Enforcement
Protection is enforceable through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing products.
Customs authorities may assist in seizure of infringing goods.
7. International Protection
Albania is a member of the Hague System, allowing international registration of industrial designs designating Albania.
Recognizes priority claims under the Paris Convention.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Law No. 9947/2008 “On Industrial Designs” |
| Registration Authority | General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) |
| Protection Duration | 5 years, renewable up to 25 years total |
| International Treaties | Paris Convention, Hague Agreement |
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