Trademarks in Albania

Competent Authority & System

Official Authority: General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) / Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Pronësisë Industriale (DPPI).

Official Language: Albanian.

System: National IP system.

International Treaties

Madrid System: Member of both the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. Albania can be designated via WIPO International Registrations.

Paris Convention: Member state; convention priority can be claimed within 6 months of the first filing date.

Applicant & Representation Requirements

Entitlement: Both natural persons and legal entities can apply.

Representation for Foreign Applicants: Non-resident applicants (individuals or entities without a domicile or real industrial/commercial establishment in Albania) must be represented by a registered representative.

Power of Attorney (POA): A simple signed Power of Attorney is required. Notarization or Legalization/Apostille is generally not required unless specifically requested by the office under exceptional doubt.

Online Services & Database

E-Filing: Electronic submission options are available through the GDIP portal.

Free Trademark Search Database: The official search capability is accessible via GDIP’s portal, as well as publicly indexed through the WIPO Global Brand Database.

Registrable Mark Types

Types: Word, figurative, combined/logo, 3D shapes, colors, sounds, and other non-traditional signs capable of graphical representation and distinguishing goods/services.

Foreign Characters & Translation: If the mark contains non-Latin scripts or non-Albanian words, a transliteration into the Latin alphabet and a translation into Albanian are required.

Classification Framework

Nice Classification: Uses the latest active edition of the Nice Classification.

Multi-class Filings: Permitted under a single application.

Class Headings: Accepted if clear and sufficiently precise.

Examination Process

Examination Scope:

Formal & Absolute Grounds: Examined ex officio by GDIP (descriptiveness, lack of distinctive character, deceptive signs, public order/morality).

Relative Grounds: Examined ex officio by the office as well as open to third-party opposition.

Office Action Deadlines: Response to provisional refusals or formal deficiencies is typically required within 2 to 3 months from official notification.

Publication & Opposition

Opposition Window: 3 months from the date of publication in the official IP bulletin.

Standing: Prior rights holders (owners of earlier registered marks, pending applications, or well-known marks).

Timeline & Expedited Examination

Average Timeframe: Approximately 6 to 9 months from filing to registration (assuming smooth progression without office actions or third-party oppositions).

Expedited Examination: Available upon request and payment of an official urgency fee.

Official Fees

Official fee structures in Albania are calculated in ALL (Albanian Lek).

Duration & Renewal

Validity Period: 10 years calculated from the filing date.

Renewal Duration: Renewable indefinitely for consecutive 10-year periods.

Grace Period: A 6-month grace period applies following the expiration date, subject to an official surcharge.

Use Requirements & Priority System

Priority System: First-to-file system.

Non-Use Cancellation: Registered marks become vulnerable to non-use cancellation if not put to genuine commercial use for a continuous period of 5 years from registration.

Declaration of Use: No routine declaration of use is required during standard renewal.

Post-Registration Transactions

Recordals: Assignments, license agreements, changes of name, and changes of address must be recorded with GDIP.

Effect of License Recordal: Unrecorded licenses are generally unenforceable against third parties.

Legal Remedies & Enforcement

Cancellation & Invalidity: Invalidity or revocation claims can be submitted to the GDIP or brought before the competent judicial courts depending on the specific legal grounds.

Customs Enforcement: Border protection measures are available to record registered trademarks with Albanian Customs to prevent counterfeit import/export.

Country-Specific Risks & Practical Insights

Transliteration Strategy: Because Albanian uses the Latin script, foreign word marks in Latin letters do not face script conversion barriers; however, registering phonetically equivalent local marks or literal translations is advisable if marketing in local channels.

Power of Attorney Timing: Ensure the executed POA is sent promptly alongside filing to avoid formal deficiency notices.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or consultation. To receive personalized and in-depth guidance tailored to your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation.