Industrial Designs Law in Slovenia
In Slovenia, industrial design protection is governed by the Industrial Property Act, which aligns with European Union regulations and international agreements. The Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) administers the registration and enforcement of industrial designs.
🖌️ What Is an Industrial Design?
An industrial design refers to the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of a product, encompassing its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation. Protection is granted to designs that are new and have individual character, distinguishing them from existing designs.
✅ Eligibility for Protection
To qualify for protection, an industrial design must:
Be new: An identical design has not been made available to the public before the filing date.
Have individual character: The overall impression produced on the informed user differs from that produced by any design previously made available to the public.
Designs that are solely dictated by technical function, must be reproduced in exact form and dimensions to permit mechanical connection, or are contrary to public order or morality are not eligible for protection.
📝 Application Process
To register an industrial design in Slovenia:
Prepare the Application: Submit the following to SIPO:
A completed application form (e.g., SIPO M-1).
Photographs or graphic representations of each appearance of the article (3 copies)
Proof of payment of the application fee.
Power of attorney if filed through an agent.
Formalities Examination: SIPO examines whether the application complies with formal requirements
Substantive Examination: SIPO assesses whether the design can be registered, excluding novelty and individual character, which must be proven in court if disputed.
Publication and Registration: If the design meets all requirements, it is registered and published in the Industrial Property Bulletin.
Applications can be filed electronically or on paper. A 20% fee reduction applies for electronic submissions.
⏳ Duration and Renewal
Initial Term: Protection lasts for 5 years from the filing date.
Renewal: Protection can be renewed every 5 years, up to a total of 25 years.
A grace period of 6 months is available for late renewal.
🌍 International Protection
Slovenia is a member of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This allows applicants to seek protection for their industrial designs in multiple countries through a single international application filed with WIPO.
📌 Practical Information
Language: Application documents must be submitted in Slovenian.
Representation: Non-residents must appoint a local representative to file applications.
Processing Time: The average processing time for design registration is approximately 2 to 6 months, with an accelerated procedure available within 45 days under certain conditions.
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