Intellectual Property Laws at Lithuania
Lithuania has a well-established legal framework for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights, encompassing patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, and related rights. Here's an overview of the key aspects of IP law in Lithuania:
🏛️ Legal Framework
Lithuania's IP system is governed by several key laws and regulations
Patent Law: Regulates the protection of inventions, granting exclusive rights to novel, inventive, and industrially applicable inventions
Trademark Law: Governs the registration and protection of trademarks, ensuring that distinctive signs can identify goods or services
Design Law: Protects the aesthetic aspects of products, granting exclusive rights to new and original designs
Copyright Law: Protects original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, and musical works
Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property in the Field of Import and Export of Goods: Regulates customs activities related to the protection of IP during import and export, including actions against counterfeit goods. The State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania (SPB) is the central authority responsible for the registration and enforcement of industrial property rights, including patents, trademarks, designs, and semiconductor topographies
📄 Types of IP Protection
1. Patents
Eligibility Inventions that are new, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable.
Duration 20 years from the filing dat.
Application Process File an application with the SPB, which examines the invention for novelty and industrial applicability.
2. Trademarks
Eligibility Signs capable of distinguishing goods or services of one enterprise from those of another.
Duration 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.
Application Process Submit an application to the SPB, which examines the mark for distinctiveness and potential conflict.
3. Designs
Eligibility Aesthetic aspects of a product that are new and original.
Duration 5 years from the filing date, extendable up to 25 years.
Application Process File an application with the SPB, including representations of the design and proof of novelty.
4. Copyrights
Eligibility Original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, and musical work.
Duration Life of the author plus 70 year.
Registration Not mandatory, but recommended for legal certainty.
🌐 International Treaties
Lithuania is a member of several key international IP treaties, including:
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
European Patent Convention (EPC)
Madrid Agreement and Protocol for the International Registration of Marks
Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs
Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks
*WIPO Copyright Treaty
These treaties facilitate the international protection of IP rights and ensure that Lithuanian creators and businesses receive reciprocal protection abroad.
⚖️ Enforcement and Legal Action
Enforcement of IP rights in Lithuania involves:
*Civil Actions: Filing lawsuits in civil courts for infringement.
*Criminal Actions: Penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for serious infringements.
*Customs Enforcement: The Customs Department can seize counterfeit goods at the border under the Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property in the Field of Import and Export of Goos.
The SPB plays a crucial role in managing and enforcing IP laws, including granting IP rights, maintaining registers, and resolving disputes
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