04 JULY 2024
How to navigate provisional refusals in the Western Balkans
When it comes to provisional refusals of trademark registrations in the Western Balkans – whether they are based on absolute grounds or an opposition – it is crucial for rights holders to understand the legislative processes and timeframes during which to respond across the different jurisdictions to avoid delays.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
28 MARCH 2024
Oppositions in the Western Balkans: what rights holders need to know
When it comes to defending against trademark registrations that could threaten market exclusivity, oppositions are a viable option. There are various legislative processes that potential opponents should be aware of if they wish to commence proceedings in the Western Balkans.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
07 MARCH 2024
Filing and maintaining trademarks in the Western Balkans: what rights holders need to know
For rights holders that want to protect their trademarks in the Western Balkans, it is crucial to understand the laws that govern trademark filing and maintenance processes across the region.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
04 JANUARY 2024
Key 2023 trademark updates in Albania, Montenegro and Slovenia
It is crucial that brand owners are aware of the legislative changes that came into force last year in the Western Balkans. A deep understanding of these developments will ensure effective trademark management and compliance going forward.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
07 SEPTEMBER 2023
Slovenian legislative overhaul reflects valuable steps towards harmonisation with EU IP framework
Amendments to the Slovenian Industrial Property Act signal that Slovenia is keen to modernise its legislation to keep up with digital trends. Other changes address extension-of-time requests and cancellation procedures, among many others.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
06 JULY 2023
Montenegro aligns its trademark regime with EU standards
The Balkan country has amended and modernised its national trademark law, harmonising new IP regulations with EU norms with regard to registration, opposition and protection.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
22 JUNE 2023
Key differences between trademark regimes in Albania and Kosovo
While the trademark regimes of these neighbouring Balkan jurisdictions share certain key features, they also have crucial differences that international brand owners should have firmly on their radars.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
02 MARCH 2023
Key differences between trademark regimes in Montenegro and North Macedonia
Despite their shared history as former republics of Yugoslavia, the two countries take distinct approaches to trademark registration, protection, renewal and opposition, which shape their respective IP landscapes and impact international brand owners.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
11 JANUARY 2023
Key differences between trademark regimes in Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
While the respective trademark regimes of the former Yugoslavian countries of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina share certain features, they each have essential distinctions which international brand owners should have on their radars.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
08 DECEMBER 2022
Key differences between trademark regimes in Slovenia and Croatia
While the trademark regimes of jurisdictions in the former Yugoslavia share certain features in common, they each have important distinctions, which international brand owners should have firmly on their radars.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
27 OCTOBER 2022
Striking the balance between consumer protection and IP rights
The Serbian IP Office currently takes a strong position on similar marks, disallowing letters of consent, even though the law is unclear on this point. This stance has created a challenging environment for trademark owners while providing little extra benefit for consumers.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
06 OCTOBER 2022
Top tips for registering colour marks in Serbia
Whereas trademarks consisting of multiple colours are relatively easy to register, single-colour marks may only acquire distinctiveness through use. Serious and long-term use needs to precede such an application in order for it to be successful.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
10 FEBRUARY 2022
How to mitigate undue seizure risk when shipping marked goods to the Balkans
An annual Customs surveillance petition for trademark owners can offer various benefits for trademark owners shipping goods across international borders
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
25 NOVEMBER 2021
When refiling is a better option than renewing
There are valuable strategic benefits to refiling a trademark that has gone unused instead of renewing it - particularly in Serbia and Kosovo - with avoiding cancellation due to non-use being just one.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
28 OCTOBER 2021
Key knowledge for filing oppositions in the Balkans
While oppositions are a crucial tool throughout the Balkans, local knowledge of everything from proof of use, lack of response, relative grounds, hearings and appeals processes, is critical for trademark filing success.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
23 SEPTEMBER 2021
Seven rules for overcoming provisional refusal based on relative grounds in Serbia
In February 2020 Serbian IP regulations overhauled its opposition system, however the Serbian IP Office may still examine new applications for relative grounds for refusal. These seven tips will help trademark owners unfamiliar with the system to avoid provisional refusals and therefore save time and expense.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
15 JULY 2021
Guide to (re)protecting IP rights in Kosovo
As the number of trademark trolls in Kosovo increases, it is vital that brand owners ensure that their IP portfolios are secure.
Authors:
Mila Mihailovic
