Foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and companies expanding into Albania often ask how to register a trademark in Albania.
Protecting your brand legally is essential to secure exclusive rights over names, logos, and distinctive signs used in the Albanian market.
The trademark registration process in Albania is managed by the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP), the national authority for intellectual property rights.
Steps to Register a Trademark
The trademark registration process includes:
– Filing an application with the GDIP, including the trademark representation and list of goods or services under the Nice Classification
– Formal examination by GDIP to verify compliance with application requirements
– Substantive examination to check for conflicts with existing trademarks and grounds for refusal
– Publication of the trademark in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin for a three-month opposition period
– Issuance of registration certificate if no oppositions are filed or after resolving any objections
The entire process typically takes between 8 to 12 months, depending on examination outcomes and whether oppositions are raised.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit: a completed application form, a clear image of the trademark, a list of goods or services, proof of payment of official fees, and identification documents for the applicant. Foreign applicants must appoint a licensed Albanian trademark representative to file on their behalf.
All foreign-language documents must be officially translated into Albanian by a certified translator.
Validity and Renewal
A registered trademark in Albania is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods by paying renewal fees before expiration.
If the trademark is not used in Albania for five consecutive years, it may become vulnerable to cancellation for non-use.
Why Trademark Protection Matters
Registering a trademark grants exclusive rights to prevent others from using identical or confusingly similar marks in Albania. It strengthens your legal position in case of infringement and increases the value of your brand for licensing, franchising, or sale.
Unregistered trademarks have limited protection under unfair competition laws but lack the formal rights and enforcement advantages of a registered mark.
The trademark registration process in Albania involves formal application, examination, opposition, and certification stages. Working with a professional ensures compliance with legal requirements, accurate classification, and timely filing.