HomeIntellectual Property in Cyprus
Intellectual property in Cyprus is an important part of the legal framework that protects the results of creativity and innovation. This legal framework is vital for national and international companies and safeguards ideas, technologies, trademarks, and other unique assets. In Cyprus, there are specific laws and procedures that allow authors, inventors, and entrepreneurs to protect their rights. To properly understand how intellectual property works in Cyprus, it is necessary to delve into the types and procedures of intellectual property protection.
What is Intellectual Property in Cyprus?
Intellectual property in Cyprus covers legal rights to works, inventions, and other creations made by individuals. These can include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other objects that can be protected by law. Cyprus, as a member of the European Union, applies international norms and standard procedures for the protection of Intellectual property. The entire system is aimed at preventing the use of others’ ideas without the permission of their owners and at encouraging innovative activity.
Types of Intellectual Property in Cyprus
There are several types of Intellectual property protected in Cyprus. These are patents, copyrights, and trademarks, each of which has its own characteristics.
- Patents. Protect inventions that are new and useful. A patent provides exclusive rights to use the invention and can be registered both nationally and through the European Patent Office.
- Copyright. Protect works of art, literature, music, and software. These rights arise automatically from the moment a work is created, although registration can help in case of disputes. Copyright allows the owner to control the use of their work.
- Trademarks. Represent brands, logos, and names that identify goods or services. Registering a trademark grants the right to protect it from unauthorised use and provides the owner with the exclusive right to its use.
- Trade secrets. Include information that has commercial value, such as recipes or production technologies. Protection of trade secrets is carried out through non-disclosure agreements and internal security measures.
- Designs. Protect the appearance of products, including shape and colour. Design registration grants the owner exclusive rights to use the unique aesthetic features of the product.
- Geographical indications. This concerns goods whose characteristics or quality are linked to their geographical location. These indications help distinguish original products and provide protection for local producers.
Intellectual Property Laws in Cyprus
The Cypriot law on Intellectual Property regulates patents, granting inventors exclusive rights to their technical solutions. This allows them to control the use of inventions and receive compensation for commercial use.
Significant attention is paid to the protection of trademarks, which help companies stand out in the market and protect their brands from unauthorised use. A trademark serves as an important asset supporting the reputation of a business.
Cypriot legislation on Intellectual Property also covers copyright, protecting literary, musical, and other creative works. These rights come into effect from the moment the work is created and allow owners to control the use of their works.
There are also regulations governing the protection of industrial designs, which cover the appearance of products. This allows for the protection of unique design solutions for goods.
Moreover, Cyprus adheres to international agreements, recognising and protecting Intellectual property created abroad. These agreements cover patents, copyrights, and other objects, ensuring international recognition of rights.
Copyright in Cyprus is valid for the lifetime of the author and 70 years after their death, although for some works the term may be shorter.
Thus, the laws on Intellectual property in Cyprus provide comprehensive protection of the rights of creators and entrepreneurs, strengthening both the domestic market and international cooperation in this field.
Patent Protection in Cyprus
Patents in Cyprus are regulated by the Patents Law 16/98, which was updated in April 1998. This law established an independent body for patent registration — the Cyprus Patent Register. The Register publishes information about patents in the Official Gazette and keeps records of all registered patents. Patents can be either national or international and are protected in Cyprus for 20 years, provided that annual renewal fees are paid. The latest amendments to the legislation allow for compulsory patent licensing.
Copyright Protection in Cyprus
Copyright in Cyprus is regulated by the Intellectual Property Law 59/76, which was enacted in 1976 and subsequently amended by Laws 63/77 and 18/93. This law provides protection not only to residents and legal entities registered in Cyprus but also to foreign citizens residing on the island, as well as offshore companies. According to international conventions signed by Cyprus, copyright extends to foreign works. Copyright protection in Cyprus lasts for the lifetime of the author and 70 years after their death, although for certain types of works, the protection period may be shorter.
Trademark Registration in Cyprus
The registration of trademarks in Cyprus is regulated by the Trademarks Law 63/62, which has been amended over time to include new updates. Trademarks are divided into 34 classes, depending on the types of goods and services. For a trademark to be registered, it must be genuine, and an application for registration can only be submitted by a Cypriot lawyer. Trademarks are protected in Cyprus for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed every 10 years.
Moreover, in 2012, Cyprus implemented an Intellectual Property system aimed at promoting competitiveness in the field of research and development. The main element of the changes was a reduction in taxes. In accordance with the new Income Tax Law, a rate of 2.5% made Cyprus one of the most attractive jurisdictions for generating income from Intellectual Property. Furthermore, the law exempts dividends distributed by Cypriot companies to foreign shareholders, as well as dividends related to Intellectual Property laws, from taxation.
Contact an Intellectual Property Lawyers in Cyprus
For the proper protection of your rights in the field of Intellectual Property in Cyprus, it is recommended to contact lawyers who specialise in this area. Lawyers will assist with the process of registering patents, trademarks, copyrights, as well as with legal protection in case of infringements. They can also help with drafting contracts and agreements related to intellectual property and represent clients’ interests in court.
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property is the legal rights to the results of creative activity by an individual or a group of people, such as inventions, works of art and science, trademarks, and other unique objects.
What Are the Intellectual Property Laws in Cyprus?
National laws apply in Cyprus:
- The Patent Law 16/98, which regulates the protection of inventions and patents;
- The Trademark Law 63/62, which establishes the rules for the registration and protection of trademarks;
- The Law on Intellectual Property Rights 59/76, which covers copyright and other types of intellectual property.
Moreover, Cyprus is a participant in international agreements such as the Berne Convention, which regulates copyright, as well as European Union agreements that ensure the protection of intellectual property at the international level.
How to Protect Intellectual Property in Cyprus?
To protect Intellectual property, it is necessary to register patents, copyrights, or trademarks, as well as take measures in case of their violation, including going to court.
