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Trademark Registration in Serbia
Serbia is a dynamically developing country located in the Balkans. In recent years, this jurisdiction has attracted the attention of many foreign investors and entrepreneurs due to its advantageous geographical position between the EU and Asia. The popularity of this jurisdiction for the purposes of setting up and conducting business continues to grow, and therefore, the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights in the country plays an increasingly important role. One of the most convenient and fastest ways to register IP rights is through trademark registration.
Contents
Who Needs a Trademark (TM) in Serbia?
Companies and entrepreneurs actively expanding their operations in the Serbian market should take care to protect their brand. This will prevent its unlawful use by competitors and strengthen trust among clients and partners.
A trademark is essential for:
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Restaurants and cafés – Protection of the name, logo, menu items, or original concept.
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Retail businesses and stores – Particularly when launching a private product line or branded packaging.
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Online marketplaces and e-commerce projects – As a safeguard for the brand during digital promotion.
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Travel agencies and hotels – To protect names and slogans that, over time, become recognizable among tourists.
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Manufacturers and local brands – Especially in the food, textile, and craft industries.
Even if your business operates exclusively on a local scale, registering a TM is an important legal tool that helps avoid disputes, promote your brand, and accumulate intangible assets that increase your company’s value.
Why You Need a Trademark (TM) in Serbia
Entrepreneurs should understand that registering a trademark in Serbia is a priority task, as it allows them to secure exclusive rights in the commercial sphere.
First and foremost, registration secures rights to the name, logo, slogan, or elements of corporate identity.
A registered TM simplifies the fight against unfair competition. If someone is found using a similar name or concept, the TM owner may appeal to the customs authorities to block the import of counterfeit goods. Without registration, such actions are generally impossible.
A trademark is also considered an asset. It can be licensed or even sold outright. For investors and partners, a registered trademark serves as proof of the company’s reputation. This is particularly beneficial when scaling the business, attracting investment, or entering international markets.
It is worth noting that Serbia is a member of the Madrid System, which simplifies the process of extending trademark protection to other countries.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Serbia
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Application SubmissionThe process is regulated by the Law on Trademarks of the Republic of Serbia and is administered by the Intellectual Property Office of Serbia (Zavod za intelektualnu svojinu). Registration follows the standard procedure: submitting an application with details of the trademark owner, an image or description of the TM, and a complete list of goods and/or services in accordance with the Nice Classification (NCL). Applications can be filed in paper or electronic form. Foreign applicants must file through a local representative.
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Formal examinationOnce the application is submitted, a formal examination is conducted to check for completeness and correctness of the documents.
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Substantive examinationThis is followed by substantive examination, which analyzes absolute and relative grounds for refusal — verifying the distinctiveness of the mark, its compliance with public morality and order, and checking for possible conflicts with previously registered TMs.
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Publication in the official bulletinIf these stages are successfully passed, the application is published in the official bulletin, allowing owners of confusingly similar marks to initiate opposition proceedings.
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Opposition periodWithin 3 months of publication, such a party may file an objection to registration if it believes the application infringes its rights.
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Trademark registrationIf no opposition is filed, or if it is rejected, the application proceeds to the final stage. The entire process, from filing to registration, typically takes about 10 months, depending on the presence of oppositions and the complexity of the examination.
Our Trademark Registration Services in Serbia
Law&Trust International offers a comprehensive solution, including:
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Full brand audit – risk analysis and recommendations for adapting the name to the local market.
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In-depth search – search for identical and confusingly similar TMs.
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Document preparation – completion of required forms, document translation (if necessary), and notary services.
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Provision of a local representative for filing on behalf of foreign applicants.
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Legal support throughout the process.
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Infringement monitoring – a program for detecting counterfeiting after registration.
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Renewal services – reminders and assistance with renewal 6 months before expiry.
