Trademarks

Trademarks have become indispensible parts of marketing concepts of most companies, regardless of the size of the enterprises. Deliberate choice of strong, i.e. well distinctive trademark terms or brand names together with a powerful commercialization thereof can render trademarks a most important part of the intangible assets of a  company.

In addition to individual marks like word marks, device marks, combined word/device marks, form marks (3-dimensional marks), accoustic marks, etc. the Liechtenstein trademark law also provides for certification and collective marks. Registered trademarks remain valid for a period of ten years, further renewals for another ten years each being available upon payment of the respective renewal fees. It is important to note, however, that very much like in many other countries a Liechtenstein trademark must be seriously used starting no later than after 5 years from registration and its use shall not be interrupted for more than 5 consecutive years, in order to avoid becoming vulnerable to cancellation upon a third party's request.

As a Liechtenstein peculiarity it should be mentioned that the Liechtenstein trademark law does not provide for an opposition procedure, which means that a trademark owner may not be able to enforce his rights vis-à-vis another one who applies for a confusingly similar trademark at a later time, unless by bringing action to the competent District Court after registration of said later filed trademark.

For additional information see "FAQ".

In this context we offer the following professional services:

General consulting about procedures and costs; 

Searching in local and international trademark registers;

Filing Liechtenstein, Swiss, European and international (Madrid Union) trademark applications;

Monitoring trademark registrations; as well as

Enforcing trademark rights against third parties via oppositions, infringement suits and/or cancellation suits.