Trademark Infringement and Litigation

Licensed Belarusian advocates protecting trademark rights — registration support, infringement claims, compensation recovery and representation before the Belarusian IP Court.

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Overview

Trademarks are created by companies to make their products and services recognisable — distinguishing them from competitors in the market. Significant investment goes into developing and building brand recognition around a trademark. Where a third party uses a registered trademark without authorisation — or uses a confusingly similar designation — the rights holder is entitled to take legal action to stop the infringement and recover compensation. AMBY Legal advises on trademark protection in Belarus and represents rights holders in infringement proceedings before the Belarusian courts and administrative authorities.

Trademark as an IP Object

A trademark or service mark is a designation used to distinguish the goods, works, or services of one party from those of others. Trademarks may take the form of words, phrases, colour combinations, letter or figurative designations, or combinations thereof. Certain designations cannot be registered as trademarks — including generally recognised symbols and terms, depictions of national flags, state names, and designations that are identical or confusingly similar to trademarks already protected in Belarus.

How Trademark Rights Are Protected

Trademark protection in Belarus is established through state registration with the National Intellectual Property Centre (NCIP). Registration gives the owner the exclusive right to use the trademark in relation to the registered goods and services — and the right to prevent others from using the same or a confusingly similar designation. An internationally registered trademark is also protected in Belarus where Belarus is designated under the applicable international registration procedure.

Trademark Registration

To register a trademark with the NCIP, an application must be submitted together with payment of the applicable state fees. The application is examined for compliance with formal requirements and then substantively reviewed for distinctiveness and conflicts with existing marks. In Belarus, trademark applications before the NCIP must be filed through a registered patent attorney for foreign applicants. AMBY Legal advises on the selection and engagement of a patent attorney and assists with all aspects of the registration process.

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Trademark Certificate

Upon successful registration, the NCIP issues a trademark certificate — confirming the owner’s exclusive right to the trademark in relation to the goods and services listed in the certificate. The certificate contains an image of the mark and specifies the registered goods and services. The owner may authorise or prohibit others from using the registered trademark.

Transfer of Trademark Rights

The right to use a registered trademark may be transferred to third parties under one of the following instruments: an exclusive right assignment agreement (full transfer of ownership); a licence agreement (grant of usage rights while retaining ownership); or a franchise agreement (use of the trademark within a structured business model arrangement).

Remedies for Trademark Infringement

Trademark infringement disputes are heard by the Judicial Panel on Intellectual Property of the Supreme Court of Belarus. The trademark owner — or a person using the trademark under an exclusive licence — may claim the following remedies: removal of the trademark or confusingly similar designation from the goods on which it has been applied without authorisation; seizure and destruction of the goods, labels, and packaging where the trademark cannot be removed from them; and compensation for losses or payment of statutory compensation in the amount of 1 to 50,000 base units (currently 42 to 2,100,000 Belarusian rubles).

In addition, a person who has violated trademark rights may be fined by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade.

Software as an IP Object

A computer program is an object of copyright under Belarusian law. The owner of a computer program has exclusive rights — including the right to install and run the program on devices, authorise others to use it for a fee, distribute copies, and have their name designated as the author in the program.

The algorithm of a computer program is not protected by copyright. Where algorithm-level protection is sought, the trade secrets regime may be used. Fines payable to the state budget are provided for the illegal distribution or use of a computer program.

Transferring Software Rights

The owner of a computer program may transfer the exclusive right to it to other persons under: a licence agreement; an exclusive right assignment agreement; or another agreement for the disposal of an exclusive right.

Claims for Software Rights Infringement

Where a rights holder discovers that a computer program is being used without authorisation, a formal claim must be sent to the infringing party before court proceedings are initiated. The claim may include demands to: cease using the program; delete modifications made without the rights holder’s consent; compensate losses or pay compensation; withdraw media containing copies of the program; and publish information about the infringement.

Court Proceedings for Software Infringement

Where the infringing party fails to comply with the rights holder’s demands, proceedings may be brought before the Judicial Panel on Intellectual Property of the Supreme Court of Belarus. AMBY Legal advises on all aspects of software copyright protection and represents rights holders in court.

Other IP Objects: Photographs, Videos, Music

Photographs, videos, images, music, and other works of intangible culture are objects of intellectual property protected by copyright. Authors may authorise or prohibit use of their works by third parties. The protection of an author’s rights to their work follows the same framework as the protection of a computer program rights holder.

Disposing of Copyright Works

For commercial purposes, an author may dispose of their work under a licence agreement, an exclusive right assignment agreement, or an agreement on the creation and use of a copyright object.

Our Services

Trademark Registration Support

Full support for trademark registration in Belarus — advising on eligibility, managing the patent attorney engagement, and monitoring the application through examination.

IP Licensing Agreement Drafting

Drafting licence and assignment agreements for trademarks, software, and other IP assets — tailored to the specific arrangement and enforceable under Belarusian law.

IP Agreement Review

Professional analysis of IP agreement templates proposed by Belarusian counterparties — identifying risks and recommending modifications to protect the client's interests.

Contract Modification Recommendations

Specific, actionable advice on revising IP contract terms — reducing legal risk and strengthening the client's position.

IP Rights Protection and Disputes

Preparing and sending pre-trial claims for trademark and other IP infringement — and managing pre-trial dispute resolution.

IP Panel Representation

Representing clients before the Judicial Panel on Intellectual Property of the Supreme Court of Belarus in trademark and other IP disputes.

What Can Be Registered as a Trademark

Word Marks

Brand names, slogans, and other verbal signs used to identify goods or services in commerce.

Personal Names

Full names or surnames registered as trademarks to protect personal branding or celebrity name rights in business.

Colours and Combinations

Specific colours or unique colour combinations associated with a brand's visual identity.

Letter Marks

Letter-based abbreviations representing a company or product — protecting their commercial use and reputation.

Numbers

Numeric designations serving as unique identifiers of goods or services.

Graphic Elements

Logos, symbols, and custom illustrations that visually represent a brand and differentiate it in the market.

Legal Opinion in Belarus

Obtain a legal opinion in Belarus considering international standards and local regulations!

Remedies Available to the Trademark Owner

Removal of the Trademark

Demand removal of the unauthorised mark or similar designation from all goods and materials where it has been applied without consent.

Seizure and Destruction

Where the trademark cannot be removed, request seizure and destruction of the goods, labels, or packaging bearing the mark.

Compensation or Damages

Claim actual damages or statutory compensation of 1 to 50,000 base units under Belarusian trademark law — currently 42 to 2,100,000 rubles.

Administrative Penalty

Infringers may be separately fined by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade for unauthorised trademark use.

Ways to Transfer Trademark Rights

Assignment Agreement

Full transfer of ownership — the assignee acquires all rights to use and manage the trademark.

License Agreement

Grant of usage rights while retaining ownership — suitable for collaborations and brand extensions under controlled terms.

Franchise Agreement

Use of the trademark within a structured business model, combining brand use with business support in a long-term arrangement.

Claims for Software and Copyright Infringement

Cease Unauthorized Use

Demand that the infringing party immediately stop using the software or IP object without the rights holder's authorisation.

Remove Unauthorized Modifications

Request deletion of any modifications made to the program or work without the rights holder's consent.

Compensation for Damages

Claim financial compensation for losses or statutory compensation for unauthorised use.

Seizure and Disclosure

Demand seizure of media containing illegal copies and publication of information about the infringement.

Documents Required for Trademark Registration

Applicant’s Statement

A formal application from the individual or entity seeking registration — with identity documentation for individual applicants.

Trademark Description

A detailed description of the trademark — including graphic elements, words, numbers, or colour combinations to be registered.

Goods and Services List

A list of goods and services for which the trademark will be used, classified according to the Nice International Classification.

Payment Confirmation

Proof of payment of the required trademark registration fee.

Additional Required Documents

Any supplementary documents required for registration — including notarised copies where applicable.

Trademark Registration Process

Trademark Search

Before filing, a search of the NCIP database and the WIPO global registry is conducted to confirm no conflicting marks exist.

Application Preparation and Filing

The application is prepared with trademark details, classification, and images — and submitted to the NCIP with payment and a power of attorney where a representative is used.

Formal Examination

The NCIP checks that all documents are complete and compliant. Where deficiencies are identified, the applicant is notified and given the opportunity to remedy them.

Substantive Examination

The NCIP reviews the trademark's distinctiveness, checks for legal or moral grounds for refusal, and compares it against existing registered marks. Refusals may be appealed or revised.

Registration and Certificate

Once approved, the trademark is entered in the official register and a certificate is issued. Registration is valid for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.

Why Foreign Companies Choose AMBY Legal

Proven Results

Our strategies are designed to protect IP rights and deliver measurable legal and commercial outcomes — not just procedural compliance.

Complex Issues Resolved

We handle challenging cases confidently — from cross-border trademark disputes to software copyright infringement — with precision and specialist knowledge.

Clear Communication

We explain each step clearly and adapt our communication to the client's business context — avoiding unnecessary legal complexity.

International Expertise

We provide IP protection solutions that comply with both Belarusian law and international standards — advising foreign rights holders on enforcing their marks in Belarus.

Client-Centered Approach

We tailor our approach to each client's specific objectives, business model, and long-term IP strategy.

Flexible Pricing

Our fees are transparent and agreed upfront — with a clear scope of work before engagement begins.

FAQ

How can software be legally protected in Belarus?

Software is protected by copyright from the moment of creation — without registration. For additional legal certainty, the software may be registered with the NCIP. Usage rights are managed through licence agreements or exclusive right assignment agreements, which define permitted use, territory, duration, and payment terms.

How can software be protected against unauthorised copying?

Copyright protection arises automatically. For stronger practical protection: register the software with the NCIP; use licence agreements with clear restrictions on copying, modification, and distribution; and implement non-disclosure agreements with persons who have access to the source code.

Can images found on the internet be used without permission?

No. Using images without the author’s or rights holder’s consent constitutes copyright infringement. Images may only be used under a licence from the rights holder, or where they are released under an open licence (such as Creative Commons) that permits the intended use.

How can a registered trademark be challenged in Belarus?

An objection may be filed with the NCIP’s Board of Appeal, or a complaint may be brought before the Judicial Panel on Intellectual Property of the Supreme Court. Grounds for challenge include: the mark misleads consumers; it conflicts with earlier rights; it lacks distinctiveness; or it was registered in bad faith. AMBY Legal advises on the available grounds and manages the challenge process.

Can an idea be patented in Belarus?

No. Patents are granted for concrete technical solutions — inventions, utility models, and industrial designs — not for abstract ideas. A detailed written description or technical drawing of an invention may be protected by copyright as a literary or artistic work, but the underlying idea itself is not patentable.

How are trade secrets protected in Belarus?

Trade secrets are protected through: non-disclosure agreements with employees and counterparties; internal confidentiality policies; and registration of production secrets with the NCIP where applicable. Belarusian law imposes liability for unauthorised disclosure or misappropriation of trade secrets.

Can music be used commercially without the creator’s permission?

No. Unlicensed use of music — including in advertising, videos, or public events — constitutes copyright infringement. A licence must be obtained from the rights holder, or royalty-free music released under an open licence must be used.

How can a company logo be protected in Belarus?

A logo may be registered as a trademark with the NCIP — which gives the owner the exclusive right to use it in relation to the registered goods and services and to prevent unauthorised commercial use by third parties. The registration process involves a formal application, examination, and — upon approval — issuance of a trademark certificate.

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