A brand is often the most valuable asset of a business: years of work, marketing and client trust are invested in it. Yet a large number of companies in North Macedonia operate with a legally unprotected brand. That means anyone can register an identical or similar sign and force you to change the name of your own business.
What can be protected as a trademark?
A trademark is any sign that can be represented graphically and is capable of distinguishing your goods or services from those of others: a word, a logo, a combination of letters and colours, a three-dimensional shape, even a slogan. Protection is acquired through registration before the State Office of Industrial Property (SOIP).
The procedure, step by step
- Prior search: before filing, we check whether an identical or similar registered trademark already exists. This step prevents refusals and unnecessary costs.
- Classification: goods and services are classified under the international Nice Classification. An incorrect classification means protection that does not cover your actual business.
- Filing the application with SOIP: the filing date establishes the right of priority.
- Formal and substantive examination: the Office checks whether the sign meets the legal requirements.
- Publication and possible opposition: after publication, third parties may file an opposition within the statutory deadline.
- Registration: the trademark is entered in the register and is valid for 10 years, with the possibility of unlimited renewals.
Why through an authorized representative?
The administrative procedure for the protection of industrial property rights requires specialist knowledge of domestic, foreign and international law. Foreign individuals and legal entities cannot appear as parties before the Office on their own: they exercise their rights exclusively through a registered industrial property representative.
The representative's role is equally important in the judicial protection of rights: when someone infringes your trademark, professional representation directly affects the efficiency and the outcome of the proceedings.
And outside Macedonia?
A Macedonian registration is valid only on the territory of North Macedonia. For export-oriented businesses, the Madrid System allows protection in more than 130 countries through a single international application, at a significantly lower cost than individual national filings.
Protect your brand in time
Dimov & Partners has been an authorized representative for the protection of industrial property rights for more than 12 years. We handle the entire procedure for you: from the search to registration and defence of the trademark.
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This text is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice for a specific case. For advice tailored to your situation, consult an attorney.