Intellectual Property Law

Updated: May 21, 2025

At Ermina Papasolomou Co & LLC, we provide specialist legal advice on intellectual property (IP) protection and management. Our team assists both individuals and businesses in safeguarding their ideas, inventions, and creative works in Cyprus and abroad.
We handle registrations, renewals, disputes, and commercialisation of IP rights, ensuring our clients are fully protected under Cyprus law, EU directives, and international conventions.

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🧾What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as:
📘 Literary & artistic works (books, music, films, software, databases)
💡 Inventions & new processes (patents)
🏷 Trademarks (logos, names, slogans, designs)
🎨 Industrial designs (product appearance & features)

Legal protection allows the creator to:

✅ Retain exclusive rights over their work
✅ Prevent unauthorised use
✅ Monetise IP through licensing, sale, or agreements

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⚖️ Intellectual Property in Cyprus

Cyprus IP law is based on common law, national statutes, and EU directives. The system is aligned with international treaties such as the Paris & Berne Conventions and WIPO standards, offering strong protection for creators, innovators, and businesses.

Our IP lawyers in Cyprus assist with registration, enforcement, IP litigation, licensing agreements, and brand protection strategies for local and international companies.

🌟 Cyprus IP Box Regime (Tax Incentive)

80% tax exemption on qualifying profits from eligible IP assets
Effective corporate tax rate as low as 2.5%
Applies to patents, copyrighted software, and certain R&D assets
One of the most attractive IP regimes in the EU

This regime makes Cyprus one of the leading jurisdictions for IP structuring, technology companies, start-ups, and R&D-driven businesses looking to optimise tax efficiency while protecting their intellectual property.

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🔹 Types of Intellectual Property in Cyprus

📚 Key Laws Governing IP in Cyprus

Patent Law, 16/98
Trademarks Law (Cap. 268, as amended)
Partnership & Trade Name Law
Copyright Law 59/76 (amended by 63/77 & 18/93)
Law on Trade Secrets 164(I)/2020
International Conventions: Paris Convention, Berne Convention, WIPO treaties

These statutes create a robust framework for intellectual property protection in Cyprus.

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🛡 Patent Protection in Cyprus

Registered with the Patents Register of Cyprus through a licensed patent lawyer in Cyprus
Published in the Official Gazette
Renewable annually up to 20 years
May be subject to compulsory licensing in specific circumstances

Patents are often combined with Cyprus’ favourable IP tax incentives for R&D-driven businesses.

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🏷 Trademark Registration in Cyprus

Must be distinctive and authentic
Applications may only be filed through a licensed Cyprus trademark attorney
Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely
Provides exclusive commercial rights and strong protection against infringement

Trademark owners benefit from efficient enforcement by Cyprus intellectual property lawyers.

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📑 Copyright in Cyprus

Automatic protection — no registration required
Covers: literature, art, software, music, architecture, databases, films
Duration: life of author + 70 years
Applies to locals, foreign residents, companies, and offshore entities

Creators often engage a copyright lawyer in Cyprus to enforce rights or draft licensing agreements.

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🔄 Amendments & IP Tax Incentives

Since 2012, Cyprus has introduced an IP-friendly framework to boost R&D and innovation:

Competitive 2–2.5% effective tax rate on IP income
Exemption of dividends paid to foreign shareholders
Compliance with EU and OECD standards

This makes Cyprus a leading jurisdiction for IP holding companies, technology firms, startups, and software owners.

Intellectual property types and fees table: patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyright.

Our firm provides comprehensive legal services in all areas of intellectual property law in Cyprus, helping clients protect their creative works, innovations, brands, and technological assets. We work with individuals, businesses, startups, and international companies to secure and enforce their IP rights with accuracy and efficiency. Trademarks & Brand Protection We assist clients in registering trademarks in Cyprus and internationally, ensuring that brand names, logos, slogans, and corporate identities are fully protected. Our services include trademark searches, filing applications, managing renewals, and handling opposition or infringement matters. Patents & Inventions Our team guides inventors and companies through the patent registration process, including drafting technical documentation, filing patent applications, and maintaining patent rights. We ensure compliance with local and European patent frameworks. Copyright & Creative Works We help authors, artists, software developers, and businesses protect their original works, including written content, designs, software, music, and visual media. Our firm assists with registration, licensing, and enforcement of copyright claims. Industrial Designs & Trade Secrets We provide legal protection for product designs, packaging, and confidential business information. Our services include design registrations, non-disclosure agreements, and assistance in cases of unauthorized use. IP Enforcement & Litigation When IP rights are breached, we represent clients in negotiations, cease-and-desist actions, and litigation before the Cyprus courts. Our goal is to secure swift and effective resolution. Protect your innovative ideas, creative assets, and brand identity with confidence. Contact our firm for experienced and reliable intellectual property support in Cyprus.