Intellectual Property Laws at Cyprus
Cyprus offers a robust and business-friendly intellectual property (IP) framework, harmonized with European Union directives and international conventions. This environment is particularly advantageous for companies seeking to protect and commercialize their IP assets.
📜 Key IP Legislation in Cyprus
Cyprus' IP laws are aligned with EU standards and international agreements
Patents: Protected under the Patents Law (16(I)/1998), valid for 20 years from the filing date
Trademarks: Governed by the Trade Marks Law (Cap. 268), offering protection for 10 years with the possibility of indefinite renewals
Copyrights: Automatically protected upon creation, lasting for the author's life plus 70 years
Industrial Designs: Protected under the Designs Law (4(I)/2002), with a maximum protection period of 25 years
Trade Secrets: Protected by the Trade Secrets Law (164(I)/2020), covering confidential business information
💼 The Cyprus IP Box Regime
Cyprus' IP Box Regime is one of the most attractive in Europe, offering significant tax incentive:
80% Tax Deduction Qualifying profits from IP assets are eligible for an 80% deduction, resulting in an effective tax rate as low as 2.5.
Capital Gains Exemption Profits from the disposal of qualifying IP assets are exempt from taxation.
Qualifying IP Assets Include patents, copyrighted software, and other intangible assets developed after 1 July 2016, adhering to the OECD Nexus Approach.
🌍 International Treaties and EU Compliance
Cyprus is a signatory to major international IP treaties, including:
*Paris Convention: Protection of industrial property.
*Berne Convention: Protection of literary and artistic wors.
**Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)*: International patent protection.
*Madrid Protocol: International trademark registration.
As an EU member, Cyprus also complies with EU IP regulations, such as the EU Trade Mark Regulation and EU Copyright Directive.
⚖️ Enforcement and Protection
Cyprus provides robust mechanisms for IP enforcement:
*Civil Remedies: Injunctions, damages, and orders to seize counterfeit goods.
*Criminal Penalties: Prosecution for counterfeiting or unauthorized use of P.
*Customs Protection: Customs authorities can seize counterfeit goods upon request of rights holders.
RELATED Blog
0 comments