Trademark protection in Ukraine

Trademarks are an important component of the commercial activity of any company. They reflect the uniqueness of products or services, help establish a connection between the enterprise and its customers, and protect intellectual property. Trademark protection in Ukraine is regulated by a number of legislative acts, in particular the Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services”. In this article, we will consider the main stages of trademark registration, types of protection and possible actions in case of infringement of rights.

Stages of trademark registration

• Preliminary search: The first step in registering a trademark is to conduct a preliminary search. This step involves checking the databases for similar or identical brands to avoid potential conflicts. A preliminary search helps to assess the probability of successful registration and prevent possible legal problems.
• Preparation of the application: After conducting a preliminary search, it is necessary to prepare an application for registration. The application must contain information about the owner of the mark, an image or description of the mark, as well as a list of goods or services for which the mark will be used. It is important to fill in all the fields carefully to avoid delays in processing the application.
• Application submission: The application is submitted to the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation (UKRNOIVI). After submitting the application, UKRNOIVI conducts an examination, which includes a formal examination and an examination of the substance. A formal inspection involves checking the availability of all necessary documents and their correctness.
• Substantive examination: At this stage, UKRNOIVI checks whether the applied trademark meets the requirements of the law, in particular regarding uniqueness and absence of conflicts with already registered trademarks. If the mark meets all the requirements, UKRNOIVI makes a decision on registration.
• Registration and publication: After successfully passing all stages of examination, the mark is registered and information about it is published in the official bulletin of UKRNOIVI. From this moment, the owner of the trademark receives exclusive rights to its use.

Types of trademark protection

• Administrative protection: Administrative protection includes submitting complaints to the bodies involved in the protection of intellectual property rights, in particular to the National Police. State Production and Consumer Service and the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine. The owner of a trademark can apply to these authorities in case of violations of his rights.
• Legal defense: Legal defense involves filing a lawsuit in court to stop violations and recover damages. The owner of a trademark can request a ban on the use of his trademark without permission, removal from circulation of infringing goods, as well as compensation for damages. Legal protection is an effective remedy in case of serious violations and evidence of improper use of the brand.
• Customs protection: The owner of a trade mark can register his mark in the Customs register of intellectual property objects. This allows the customs authorities to control the import and export of goods that violate the rights of the owner of the mark. If such goods are detected, the customs authorities may detain them at customs and inform the owner of the mark about the violation.

Actions in case of violation of rights

• Gathering evidence: The first step in discovering trademark infringement is gathering evidence. These can be photos, video recordings, checks, contracts and other documents confirming the fact of the violation. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible to be able to support your claims in court.
• Legal analysis: The next step is a legal analysis of the situation. The trademark owner or his representative must assess how serious the infringement is and what measures can be taken to stop it. At this stage, it is important to seek advice from a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property.
• Filing a claim: After the analysis, the trademark owner can file a claim against the infringer. In the claim, it is necessary to outline the essence of the violation, requirements for its termination and possible consequences in case of non-fulfillment of the requirements. Often, a claim allows you to resolve the conflict peacefully without going to court.
• Filing a lawsuit: If the infringer does not respond to the claim or refuses to comply, the trademark owner can file a lawsuit. In the lawsuit, it is necessary to specify all the circumstances of the case, evidence of the violation and requirements for the termination of the violation and compensation for damages. Court proceedings may take some time, but if successful, allow you to receive legal compensation.
• Execution of the court decision: After receiving a positive court decision, it is necessary to ensure its execution. This may include an appeal to the enforcement service, which will deal with enforcement of the decision, withdrawal of goods from circulation and other measures.

Conclusion

Protecting a trademark in Ukraine is a complex and multi-stage process that requires a careful approach and knowledge of legislation. Understanding the main stages of registration, types of protection and possible actions in case of infringement of rights will help brand owners effectively protect their interests and avoid conflicts.

It is important to seek advice from lawyers in the field of intellectual property of Prykhodko and partners to ensure the maximum protection of your rights.