Region: Montenegro

Recent amendments to the trademark laws introduce important novelties, including the removal of the graphical representation requirement and the expansion of the list of absolute grounds for refusal.

06 April 2023

Despite their shared history as former republics of Yugoslavia, the two countries take distinct approaches to trademark registration, protection, renewal and opposition, which shape their respective IP landscapes and impact international brand owners.

02 March 2023

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting: A Global Guide 2020

With a population of more than 20 million divided among seven jurisdictions, the Western Balkans has the potential to be fertile ground for the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit goods.

23 April 2020

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting: A Global Guide 2019

With a population of more than 20 million divided among seven jurisdictions, the Western Balkans has the potential to be a fertile ground for the production and distribution of counterfeit goods. Due to its geographical location, the Western Balkans is well connected to other regions and continents.

13 May 2019

In today's round-up, we look predictions for the next round of gTLDs, the UK’s IP Crime Unit urging the public to “treat mum right” by avoiding fakes, and much more.

13 March 2018

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting: A Global Guide 2017

With a population of more than 20 million divided among seven jurisdictions, the Western Balkans has the potential to be a fertile ground for the production and distribution of counterfeit goods.

18 May 2017

The amended laws on patents, trademarks and industrial designs entered into force on January 18 2017. While most amendments concern the alignment of terminology with the new Law on Administrative Proceedings, there are two significant changes: all three laws introduce the possibility of filing administrative proceedings against decisions of the IPO, and the amended trademark law now allows parties to suspend opposition proceedings while negotiating an agreement.

13 February 2017

The European Commission’s latest annual report into EU customs enforcement has found that the level of suspected counterfeit articles detained by authorities rose by 15% year-on-year, with the number of applications for action up by a startling 59% across the same time period. While the estimated value of the detailed articles totals nearly €650 million, one expert claims the report could be massively underestimating the scope of the problem.

03 October 2016

Recent legislative revisions aim to bring Montenegro’s IP regime fully into line with EU law and relevant international treaties. Among other things, amendments to the Trademark Law bring greater clarity to certain requirements and procedures.

09 September 2016

Montenegro has drafted amendments to its trademark law in order to bring it into line with the EU trademark legislation. Among other things, the new law permits the cancellation of trademarks that have become generic, as well as of trademarks that are likely to cause confusion with existing marks. It is expected that the amendments will be adopted in the near future.

04 April 2014