Intellectual Property Laws at Slovakia
Slovakia has a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights, encompassing patents, trademarks, utility models, designs, geographical indications, and related rights. These laws are aligned with both national and international standards, ensuring robust protection for creators and businesses.
šļø Key IP Legislation
1. Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trade Marks This Act governs the registration and protection of trademarks in Slovakia It outlines the procedures for trademark application, examination, opposition, and cancellation, as well as the rights conferred upon trademark holders The Act was amended by Act No. 291/2018 Coll. to align with international standards and facilitate Slovakia's participation in the Madrid Protocol
2. Act No. 435/2001 Coll. on Patents This Act regulates the protection of inventions in Slovakia, detailing the requirements for patentability, application procedures, and the rights of patent holders It also addresses supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products and plant protection products
3. Act No. 444/2002 Coll. on Designs This Act provides for the protection of the appearance of products, including shapes, patterns, and ornamentations, through design registration It sets forth the criteria for design protection and the registration process
4. Act No. 517/2007 Coll. on Utility Models This Act offers protection for technical solutions that are new and industrially applicable but do not meet the inventive step required for patents It outlines the registration process and rights associated with utility models
5. Act No. 469/2003 Coll. on Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications This Act protects products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin It establishes the procedures for registering and enforcing designations of origin and geographical indications in Slovakia
š International Treaties
Slovakia is a member of several international IP treaties, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works Ensures that works originating in one member country are given the same protection in other member countries.
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property Provides a union for the protection of industrial property rights, including patents and trademark.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Facilitates the filing of patent applications in multiple countries through a single application.
Madrid Protocol Allows for the international registration of trademark.
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) Enhances the protection of the rights of performers and producers of phonogram.
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) Provides additional protections for authors of literary and artistic works in the digital environment.
Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration Protects the names of products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
š”ļø Enforcement and Administration
The Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (ĆPV SR) is the central authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of IP rights in Slovaka It oversees the registration of patents, trademarks, utility models, designs, and geographical indications, and provides information and guidance on IP mattes The Office also supports the development of technical creativity and the protection of its results, education, and popularization in the field of intellectual property.
For customs enforcement, Slovakia adheres to Regulation (EU) No. 608/2013, which allows customs authorities to take action against goods suspected of infringing IP rights Rights holders can submit applications for customs action to prevent the importation of counterfeit goods.
š Education and Training
The Academy of Intellectual Property and the Intellectual Property Institute, both operated by the ĆPV SR, offer educational programs and workshops aimed at raising awareness and providing training on various aspects of. These programs cater to universities, businesses, and the professional public, covering topics such as trademark protection, innovation, and IP strategy.
š Additional Resources
Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic or write to us at our mail id.
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