A sign that can constitute a trademark is any sign capable of graphic representation, consisting in particular of words (including personal names), letters, numerals, drawings, the shape of goods or their packaging, or any combination of these, provided it is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of another.

The conditions for registrability of a trademark are set out in Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trademarks.

How long is a trademark valid?

A trademark registration is valid for ten years from the filing date. At the request of the owner or a secured creditor – filed no earlier than the final year of validity and no later than 6 months after expiry – the office will renew the registration for another ten years.

The request must be accompanied by payment of the official fee to the office’s account under Act No. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, as amended.

What is a trademark for?

A trademark’s primary role is to differentiate products among a wide range of businesses – in other words, to let consumers recognise the goods of a particular company.

It also serves competitive and advertising purposes, helping a business showcase its own branded products and so hold on to its market position.

How do I obtain a trademark?

The only way is to file a fully completed application on the official form with the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic. The application may be filed only by an individual or a legal entity or, for a collective trademark, also by an association of individuals and legal entities. It must contain:

  • a request to enter the sign in the register as a trademark, with the name and permanent address of the applicant if an individual, or the name or trade name and registered office if a legal entity,
  • a representation of the sign being applied for,
  • a list of goods or services for which the sign is to be registered, in accordance with the International (Nice) Classification of Goods and Services,
  • for a collective trademark, the application must also include a written agreement between all members of the association and a list of the members entitled to use the collective mark,
  • the signature of the applicant or their representative.

How much does it cost?

Filing a trademark application in three classes of goods and services costs EUR 166, plus EUR 20 for each additional class.