Industrial Designs Law in Slovakia
In Slovakia, industrial design protection is governed by Act No. 444/2002 Coll. on Designs, which outlines the legal framework for the creation, legal protection, and utilization of designs.
🖌️ What Is a Design?
A design refers to the appearance of a whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture, or materials of a product itself or its ornamentation.
✅ Eligibility for Protection
A design is eligible for protection if it is:(
New: An identical design has not been made available to the public before the date of filing of the application or before the date of priority
Distinctive: The overall impression produced in the mind of the informed user differs from the overall impression produced in the mind of such user by a design which was made available to the public before the date of filing of the application or before the date of priority.
📝 Application Process
To file a design application in Slovakia:
Prepare Representations: Submit clear illustrations of the design that distinctly show all characteristic features.
Complete Application Form: Include details such as the name of the design, applicant information, designer information, product indication, and any relevant documents.
Submit Application: File the application at the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (ÚPV SR) in Banská Bystrica, either in person, by post, or electronically.
Examination: The Office examines the application to ensure it meets the required conditions.
Publication and Registration: If the design is registrable, it is entered into the Register of Designs and published in the Official Gazette.
⏳ Duration and Renewal
Initial Term: Protection lasts for 5 years from the date of filing.
Renewal: Protection can be renewed every 5 years, up to a total of 25 years.
💰 Administrative Fees
The filing fees are as follows:
Simple Application:
By designer or co-designers: €20
By other applicants: €40(slovensko.sk)
Multiple Application:
For each additional design by designer or co-designers: €10
For each additional design by other applicants: €20
By designer or co-designers: €20
By other applicants: €40(slovensko.sk)
For electronic filing via slovensko.sk, a 50% discount on the fee applies, not exceeding €70. (slovensko.sk)
🌍 International Protection
Slovakia is a member of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This allows applicants to seek protection for their industrial designs in multiple countries through a single international application filed with WIPO.
📌 Practical Information
Language: Application documents must be submitted in Slovak.
Representation: Non-residents must appoint a local representative to file applications.
Processing Time: The average processing time for design registration is approximately 2 to 6 months, with an accelerated procedure available within 45 days under certain conditions.
RELATED Blog
0 comments