Clearance search
We conduct a comprehensive search of the Belarusian trademark register and international databases before filing – identifying potential conflicts and advising on registrability.
Trademark Registration in Belarus
We register trademarks in Belarus for foreign companies and individuals – national registration with the NCIP, international registration through the Madrid System, EAEU regional trademark protection, and enforcement against infringers.
Our clients
Trademark Registration in Belarus
A trademark registered in Belarus gives its owner the exclusive right to use the mark – a word, logo, symbol, colour or combination – in relation to the goods and services specified in the registration. Without registration, a trademark has no legal protection in Belarus. A competitor can register your brand before you do and then enforce it against you.
For foreign companies operating in Belarus, exporting to Belarus, or working with Belarusian distributors and partners, trademark registration is the first line of brand protection. The process is manageable – but foreign applicants must act through a licensed Belarusian patent attorney. We handle the full trademark registration process for foreign clients – from clearance search through to certificate and enforcement.
Three Routes to Trademark Protection in Belarus
There are three main routes to protecting a trademark in Belarus. The right choice depends on whether the company needs protection in Belarus alone or across multiple countries simultaneously.
National registration with the NCIP: The standard route for trademark protection specifically in Belarus. The application is filed with the National Centre of Intellectual Property – NCIP – in Minsk. Protection is granted in Belarus only. Registration is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
Madrid System – international registration: Belarus acceded to the Madrid Protocol in 2001. A company that already has a trademark registered or applied for in its home country can file a single international application through WIPO designating Belarus alongside other countries. This is efficient for companies targeting multiple markets simultaneously – without filing separately in each country.
EAEU regional trademark: The EAEU Treaty on Trademarks entered into force on April 26, 2021. A single application gives protection across all five EAEU member states – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. This is the most efficient route for companies targeting the EAEU market as a whole.
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Foreign Applicants Must Use a Licensed Patent Attorney
This is the most important practical point for foreign companies. Foreign citizens and foreign companies can only act before the NCIP through a licensed Belarusian patent attorney on the basis of a power of attorney. The only exceptions are citizens of Russia and Ukraine who are entitled to act at the patent office independently.
This means that any foreign company – regardless of country – must engage a licensed Belarusian patent attorney to file and prosecute a trademark application in Belarus. Attempting to file without a local representative is not possible for foreign applicants.
We act as the licensed representative for foreign clients throughout the trademark registration process – from filing the application through to receipt of the registration certificate.
Our services
National trademark application
We prepare and file the trademark application with the NCIP – managing the full prosecution process through to registration certificate.
Madrid System filing
We assist with international trademark applications designating Belarus through the WIPO Madrid System – coordinating with the applicant's home country filing.
EAEU trademark
We advise on and file EAEU regional trademark applications covering all five EAEU member states simultaneously.
Office action responses
We draft and file responses to NCIP provisional refusals – arguing for registrability and submitting evidence of distinctiveness where needed.
Third-party observations
We monitor NCIP publications and file third-party observations against problematic marks before they are registered.
Trademark renewal
We manage the renewal of registered Belarusian trademarks – tracking deadlines and submitting renewal applications on time.
Non-Use Cancellation – Use It or Lose It
Trademark registration in Belarus is not a passive right. A registered trademark that is not used in commerce can be cancelled.
The legal protection of a trademark in Belarus can be cancelled – in respect of all or part of the registered goods and services – as a consequence of continuous non-use of the trademark during any three years from the date of registration. Any interested party can apply to cancel a non-used trademark registration.
For foreign trademark owners who register a mark in Belarus but do not immediately commence commercial activity there, this creates a real risk. After three years of non-use the registration becomes vulnerable to cancellation by a competitor who wants to use the same or similar mark.
We advise clients on non-use risk and on strategies to maintain trademark registrations in force – including the use of licence agreements and carefully documented commercial activity.
Why Clients choose us
Foreign applicant expertise
We act as the licensed representative for foreign companies in Belarusian trademark proceedings – meeting the mandatory requirement for foreign applicants to work through a local patent attorney.
All three routes
We handle national NCIP registrations, Madrid System designations and EAEU trademark applications – advising on which route is most efficient for each client's needs and budget.
Clearance first
We conduct clearance searches before filing – identifying conflicts early and avoiding wasted fees on applications likely to be refused.
Non-use strategy
We advise on maintaining trademark registrations in active use – protecting registrations from non-use cancellation challenges by competitors.
Enforcement capability
We not only register trademarks but enforce them – representing clients in infringement proceedings and customs measures.
FAQ
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Belarus directly?
No. Foreign companies must act through a licensed Belarusian patent attorney – a power of attorney is required. The only exceptions are citizens of Russia and Ukraine. We act as the authorised representative for foreign applicants throughout the registration process.
How long does trademark registration take in Belarus?
The typical timeline from filing to registration certificate is 14 to 18 months. Formal examination takes approximately two months. Substantive examination takes up to 18 months – many applications are resolved within 12 to 14 months from filing. Priority applications and straightforward marks with no conflicts can sometimes be registered faster.
How long is a Belarusian trademark registration valid?
10 years from the date of filing. The registration can be renewed for unlimited further 10-year periods. Renewal applications must be submitted within the last year of the current term.
Can a registered trademark in Belarus be cancelled?
Yes – in two situations. First, if the registration is not renewed at the end of the 10-year term. Second, if the trademark is not used in commerce for any continuous period of three years from the date of registration – an interested party can apply to cancel the registration on grounds of non-use. We advise clients on maintaining active use of their Belarusian trademark registrations.
What is the EAEU trademark and does it cover Belarus?
Yes – the EAEU regional trademark covers all five EAEU member states – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia – through a single application. It came into force on April 26, 2021. It is the most efficient route for companies targeting the EAEU market as a whole.
What is the Customs Register and why does it matter?
The TROIS – Belarusian Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects – allows customs authorities to detain shipments of suspected counterfeit goods at the border before they enter the Belarusian market. Recording a trademark in TROIS is an important additional step beyond registration – particularly for consumer goods where counterfeiting is a risk. We manage TROIS recording as part of our trademark services.
Is there a formal opposition period in Belarus?
No – unlike many other trademark systems, Belarus does not have a formal opposition period. However, third parties can submit informal observations to the NCIP at any point during the examination procedure – including after publication. These observations can influence the examiner’s decision. We monitor NCIP publications for our clients and advise on filing observations against problematic third-party marks.
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