Industrial Designs Law in North Macedonia
Here’s an overview of the Industrial Designs Law in North Macedonia:
🇲🇰 Industrial Designs Law in North Macedonia
📜 Legal Framework
Industrial designs in North Macedonia are governed by the Law on Industrial Property (Official Gazette No. 66/2005, with amendments).
North Macedonia is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
The country is also a party to the Hague Agreement concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs, allowing international registration via WIPO.
🎨 Definition of Industrial Design
Industrial design is defined as the appearance of the whole or part of a product, resulting from features such as lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, or materials.
Protection is granted only to the aesthetic or ornamental aspects, not the technical function.
The design must be new and have individual character.
📝 Registration Process
Authority: The Industrial Property Office of the Republic of North Macedonia (IPO).
Application Requirements:
Application form
Representations of the design (drawings, photos)
Description of the design (optional)
Payment of fees
Examination:
Formal examination to check compliance with requirements.
Substantive examination regarding novelty and individual character.
Publication: Registered designs are published in the official bulletin.
⏳ Duration of Protection
Initial protection period: 5 years from the filing date.
Renewable up to four consecutive periods of 5 years each.
Maximum protection term: 25 years.
🚫 Infringement and Enforcement
Unauthorized use or copying of a registered design constitutes infringement.
Remedies include:
Injunctions to stop infringement
Compensation for damages
Destruction of infringing articles
Enforcement through civil courts.
🌍 International Protection
North Macedonia’s participation in the Hague System allows applicants to seek international design protection.
The Paris Convention membership grants priority rights.
Applicants can file directly with the IPO or via the Hague international filing system.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Law on Industrial Property (2005) |
| Registration Authority | Industrial Property Office (IPO) |
| Protection Term | 5 years, renewable up to 25 years |
| Examination | Formal and substantive |
| International Treaties | Paris Convention, Hague Agreement |
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