If there are no objections or oppositions, the average timeframe for registration approval is 12 months.

Protected trademarks registered in Malta include those in Comino, Gozo and Malta.

Yes. To complete the process, applicants must sign a Power of Attorney.

It will speed up the processing time and protect you sooner.

A trademark registered may be canceled on the grounds of non-use.

These marks can be registered in Malta:

• Words.
• Slogans.
• Names.
• Devices.
• 3d Shapes.
• Collective marks.
• Service marks.
• Notorious marks.
• Certification marks.

Three phases are involved in a trademark application: examination, registration, and publication.

These marks cannot be registered:

• Generic terms/words.
• Marks that are not in line with moral or public order standards.
• Marks that include name/flag/symbol of state/region/nation/international organization.
• Marks without distinctive characteristics.
• Geographical names.

The system of Nice Classification is used in Malta.

Yes.

Yes. You can claim priority if you:

• A Paris Convention signatory country is the home country of the applicant.
• The home application deadline is six months before the application deadline in Malta.

Trademarks registered must be used within five years of their publication. The use must be commercial and must occur within the territory of Malta.

The trademark registration is valid for ten years.

The date of the original application is 10 years. Notice that trademarks filed before January 1, 2001, must also be renewed within 14 years of the date of filing.

Legally, you can use unregistered marks for goods or services.