Rights on marks

Trademark

Through trademarks signs may be protected that are capable of distinguishing goods and services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings. Before registration each trade mark application is examined for its legality. The period of protection may be extended for further periods of ten years.

The registered trade mark grants its proprietor the exclusive right to enjoin third parties, without his consent, in trade, from using a sign identical with or similar to the trade mark for identical or similar goods or services, if there exists a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public, which includes the likelihood of association between the sign and the trade mark.

Protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin and guaranteed traditional specialities

With protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin and guaranteed traditional specialities, agricultural products and foodstuffs may be protected. Before registration the content of a product specification is examined. There is no limitation of the period of protection.

There is a protection against any practice liable to mislead the consumer.