Kosovo has robust IP legislation aligned with EU directives, enforced by the Industrial Property Agency (IPA) and the Copyright Office.
Contents
Key IP Objects
- Copyrights: Protected automatically upon creation for the author’s life plus 70 years. Includes database protection.
- Trademarks: Protection is based on the “first-to-file” system. Registration lasts 10 years and is renewable. Non-traditional marks (sound, 3D) are recognized.
- Patents: Grants exclusive rights for 20 years for new inventions involving an inventive step.
- Industrial Designs: Protected for 5 years, renewable up to 25 years.
- Trade Secrets: Protected under Law No. 08/L-076 against unauthorized acquisition and disclosure.
Agreements
IP rights can be transferred via assignment contracts or licensed (exclusive/non-exclusive). Transfers and licenses should be registered with the IPA to be effective against third parties.