Region: Serbia and Montenegro

For rights holders that want to protect their trademarks in the Western Balkans, it is crucial to understand the laws that govern trademark filing and maintenance processes across the region.

07 March 2024

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 dissolution of the union of Serbia and Montenegro may have some impact on trademark rights. While registered trademarks remain valid in Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, it is not unlikely that Montenegro will require a revalidation of rights at a later stage.

04 July 2006

Amendments to the Serbian Decree on Customs Clearance have been implemented. The amendments provide for a faster and simpler procedure for IP right owners to obtain destruction of counterfeit goods. In particular, the customs authorities can now <i>ex officio</i> order the destruction of infringing goods in certain circumstances.

11 November 2005

A new Trademark Law came into force in Serbia and Montenegro on January 1 2005 to replace the 1995 statute. The new law brings the country's legislation in line with international treaties, EU legislation and WIPO recommendations. Among other things, the new law introduces the notion of rights exhaustion and extended protection for marks with a high reputation.

24 March 2005

Border measures for Serbia and Montenegro have come into force following last year's enactment of the Law on Customs and the amendment last month of its implementing decree. IP owners may now file applications with customs for the detention of counterfeit goods that are imported, exported or in transit. Counterfeit goods may be destroyed - or at least removed from regular channels of trade.

29 April 2004

The decision earlier this year to transform the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into the state union of Serbia and Montenegro has affected the statutory and judicial bodies that were responsible for registering and enforcing trademarks in that country. A number of these bodies have been dissolved and it is hoped that replacements will soon be put into place.

16 May 2003