In this text, we aim to explore the essential legal steps to protect your intellectual property under Cyprus law, specifically focusing on industrial designs, patents, semiconductor topographies, and trademarks. Here’s a breakdown of the key laws and processes involved:
Industrial Designs and Samples
The legal protection of Industrial Designs and Samples Law (4(I)/2002) (the “Industrial Designs Law”), provides for the protection of the aesthetic design of a product provided that it is new and has an individual character. The process involves submitting an application to the Registrar of Companies, along with a detailed description and images of the design. Protection lasts for one or more 5-year period and can be renewed for one or more 5-year periods, for a total of up to 25 years from the date of the first application. The Industrial Designs Law ensures that no one else can commercially exploit your design without your permission.
Topographies of Semiconductor Products
The Legal Protection of Topographies of Semiconductor Products Law (5(I)/2002) covers the protection of semiconductor topographies, which are critical to electronic devices. Specifically, the topography must be original and not commercially used for more than two years before registration. The protection applies from the date of the application or where the first use of the topography is after the date of the application then the protection applies from the date of the first use. Once registered, the topography is protected for 10 years from the end of the calendar year in which the application was made or in which the first use was made, whichever is applicable, giving the holder exclusive rights to its use and preventing others from copying your semiconductor layout.
Patents
A patent grants exclusive rights to an invention under The Patents Law 16(I)/1998. Your invention must meet three criteria: it must be new, have inventive steps, and be industrially applicable. The application process requires a written description, supporting drawings, and a summary of the invention. Patents are valid for 20 years from the date of the filing of the application, provided that the applicable annual fees are paid. This protection ensures that no one can produce, sell, or use your invention without consent.
Trademarks
A trademark identifies your business’s goods or services and distinguishes them from competitors. Under The Trademarks Law Cap. 268, trademarks can consist of words, logos, symbols, or sounds. The process involves submitting an application to the Registrar of Companies, ensuring the trademark is distinctive and not descriptive. Registration provides 10 years of protection in the Republic of Cyprus, renewable indefinitely for 10-year periods.
Protection can also be afforded within the European Union, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the European Union trademark, and worldwide through the World Intellectual Property Organization.
By securing your intellectual property whether it’s a cutting-edge invention, a unique product design, or a distinctive brand you’re not just protecting your ideas, you’re safeguarding your business’s future. Don’t leave your hard work vulnerable, take control, protect your creations, and ensure that your innovations remain yours, and yours alone.
For further information about intellectual property rights and assistance with protecting your rights in Cyprus or abroad send us an email:
PAPAKYRIACOU LLC
20 Stasikratous Street,
Office 104, 1065 Nicosia, Cyprus
T: +357 22256882
info@papakyriacoulaw.com
papakyriacoulaw.com
This article is brought to you by Finhub, a marketplace for professional services in Cyprus. Finhub connects businesses with vetted, reputable, and licensed professionals offering legal, audit, tax, and immigration services.
Through the platform, businesses can easily find service providers tailored to their specific needs. By submitting an enquiry along with their budget and required expertise, they receive competitive offers from qualified professionals—streamlining the process of finding the right partner.
Finhub is trusted by hundreds of businesses relocating to Cyprus, helping them access the right experts for every stage of their relocation journey. Feel free to try it, it is entirely free for businesses. Simply visit www.finhub.com.cy