Malta Trademark registration
Malta has been a member of the European Union. Trademark protection is obtained by registration. It can also be acquired by sufficient public recognition.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Industrial Property Registrations Directorate by a local agent. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 9 months from first filing to registration. After registration, the trademark is published in the “Malta Government Gazette”.
Duration
A trademark registration in Malta is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office. EUROPEAN UNION (COMMUNITY TRADEMARK): Since this country is a member of the European Union, Trademark Protection could be obtained by registration of a Community Trademark (CTM), which is valid for a period of 10 years in all countries of the European Union.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.