Trademark Registration in Cyprus

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Updated: January 26, 2026

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A trademark is a valuable intellectual property asset that allows consumers to distinguish goods or services offered by different businesses. In Cyprus, both individuals and companies — including foreign applicants — are entitled to apply for trademark registration.

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💼 What Is a Trademark Under Cypriot Law?

 

Trademark protection in Cyprus is primarily governed by the Trademark Law (as amended in 2006) and the Control of the Movement of Goods Infringing Intellectual Property Rights Law of 2018.

 

Under Cypriot law, a trademark is any sign capable of being represented in a clear and reproducible manner. A trademark may consist of, among others:

• personal names,

• letters or numbers,

• shapes of products or packaging,

• geometric or mathematical symbols.

 

A trademark may comprise a single element or a combination of signs. Its main purpose is to identify and distinguish goods or services in the marketplace. Once registered, a trademark becomes a transferable commercial asset that may be sold, licensed, or assigned.

 

Trademark protection does not extend to the technical appearance of products or inventions. Such protection is provided through other intellectual property rights, such as industrial designs or patents.

 

A registered trademark is protected only within the jurisdiction where it is registered. Separate applications are required to obtain protection outside Cyprus.

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🏢 Types of Trademarks in Cyprus

Cypriot law recognises the following main types of trademarks:

1. Word Mark
   Consists of words, letters, or numbers in a standard font without design or colour elements (e.g. Sony, Philips).

2. Figurative Mark
   Includes stylised lettering, graphic elements, images, or colour combinations, either alone or together with words (e.g. Lacoste).

3. Shape Mark (3D Mark)
   Represents the three-dimensional shape of a product, its container, or packaging (e.g. the Coca-Cola bottle).

4. Positional Mark
   Defined by the specific placement of the mark on a product.

5. Pattern Mark
   Consists of elements repeated in a regular pattern.

6. Colour Mark
   Consists of a specific colour or combination of colours.

7. Sound Mark
   Consists of sounds or sound sequences (e.g. the Nokia ringtone).

8. Audiovisual Mark
   Combines visual elements with sound.

9. Hologram Mark
   Presented in the form of a holographic image or video.

10. Certification Mark
    Used to certify characteristics such as quality, origin, or manufacturing standards.

11. Collective Mark
    Used by associations to identify goods or services produced by their members.

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☑️ How to Register a Trademark in Cyprus

Trademark registration in Cyprus is carried out by filing an application (Form ES 02) with the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCOR). Applications are typically handled by a Cypriot lawyer.

 

The Registrar examines each application for legal compliance, distinctiveness, and potential conflicts with earlier trademarks.

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📄 Trademark Registration Procedure

Step 1: Filing the Application and Paying the Fee

Once the trademark is confirmed to be distinctive and available, the application may be submitted:

• electronically,

• by post, or

• in person.

❌ Email submissions are not accepted.

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The application must include:

• a description of the trademark and the goods or services it will cover,

• a graphic representation of the mark,

• proof of payment of the official fee,

• a power of attorney, if submitted through a representative.

 

If the applicant has filed the same trademark in another country that is a member of the Paris Convention or the WTO within the previous six months, a priority claim may be made. This allows the Cyprus application to be treated as if it were filed on the same date as the earlier foreign application.

 

Step 2: Examination by the Registrar

The Registrar first conducts a formal examination to verify that all information and documents comply with legal requirements. If deficiencies are identified, the applicant has two months to correct them. Failure to do so results in cancellation of the application.

 

A substantive examination then follows, during which the trademark is assessed for absolute grounds for refusal, such as lack of distinctiveness or similarity to existing marks.

 

Step 3: Objections and Hearing

If objections arise, the applicant has up to two months to:

• withdraw the application,

• limit the scope of protection, or

• submit written arguments in response.

 

The Registrar will review the response and decide whether to approve or reject the application. An adverse decision may be appealed before the Administrative Court.

 

Step 4: Publication and Opposition Period

Once accepted, the trademark is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus. A three-month opposition period then begins, during which third parties may object to the registration based on earlier rights.

 

Step 5: Registration

If no opposition is filed — or if any opposition is resolved in favour of the applicant — the Registrar issues the Certificate of Registration.

 

Registered trademarks are valid for ten years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for additional ten-year periods.

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​🗃️ How Long Does Trademark Registration Take?​

The official fees depend on the type of trademark and the number of classes (Paper Submission / Electronic Submission):

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Standard trademark (basic fee) — €141/ €129

Each additional class — €102/ €94

Collective / Certification mark (basic fee) — €443/ €415

Each additional class — €128/ €116

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​Upon acceptance of the application, the Registrar assigns an official registration number.

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💠 Grounds for Refusal of Trademark Registration

Absolute Grounds

Registration may be refused if the trademark:

• describes the type, quality, quantity, price, or origin of goods or services,

• has become customary in everyday or commercial use,

• consists exclusively of the product’s shape,

• is contrary to public policy or morality,

• is misleading as to origin or quality,

• contains national, religious, or official symbols without authorisation,

• conflicts with protected geographical indications or designations of origin,

• is filed in bad faith.

 

Relative Grounds

Registration may also be refused if the trademark is identical or confusingly similar to an earlier registered trademark.

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​ℹ️ Trademark Search in Cyprus

Before filing, trademark availability can be checked through the following databases:

Cyprus (National Level)

• National Register of Trademarks

• Official Gazette of the Republic (publication search)

• Preliminary opinion from the Registrar (Form ES 01, €99 for the first class)

European Union

• TMview (EUIPO)

• eSearch Plus

International

• WIPO International Trademark Registry

• Madrid Monitor