Trademark registration with Sakpatenti: steps

Legal protection of a brand, logo or name begins with the registration of a trademark with Sakpatenti — the National Intellectual Property Center. A registered mark grants the owner the exclusive right to use it and prohibits others from using a similar mark without permission. Below — how the process works, what are the deadlines and what to expect in terms of costs.

Registration steps

The process includes several stages:

• Filing an application: You submit the mark and a list of goods/services by class (Nice Classification).
• Formal examination: Formal examination of the application, usually within about 1 month of filing.
• Substantive examination: As a rule, within 6 months of the completion of the formal examination, it is checked whether the mark has any obstacles to registration.
• Publication: After a positive decision, the mark is published in the official Sakpatenti Bulletin.
• Appeal deadline: An interested person may file an appeal with the Appeals Chamber within 3 months from the date of publication.

Deadlines

In simple cases, the entire process takes, on average, about 14 months — although the actual time frame depends on possible objections and procedural factors. An expedited procedure is available, which significantly reduces the time required to complete individual steps for an additional fee.

Fee

The fee is set by Sakpatenti's tariff and depends on the number of classes of goods/services: formal examination (one class and additional classes), publication, as well as ten-year registration and issuance of a certificate are paid separately. A fee reduction applies when filing electronically. For the exact current tariff, see the official Sakpatenti website, as the amounts change periodically.

Required information and documents

• Image/verbal element of the sign;
• Applicant's details;
• List of goods and services with corresponding classes;
• In the case of representation - power of attorney.

Tips for business

• Preliminary search: Before registering, check if a similar sign exists — this reduces the risk of rejection.
• The right classes: Choose the classes in which you actually work or plan to work.
• Electronic filing: Reduces fees and speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the registration valid?

Trademark registration is typically granted for a period of 10 years and is renewable.

Can I apply myself?

Yes, although the right classes and prior research reduce the risk of rejection; a representative is useful in difficult cases.

What happens if someone claims my mark?

After publication, there is a deadline for appeal; the dispute is heard by the Appeals Chamber.

The right strategy for brand protection — class selection and preliminary search — will save time and money. The article is for general informational purposes only and represents SEO/legal information and not legal advice; the procedure and fees depend on the applicable rules. — Legal.GE NewsMaker