A. INTRODUCTION

Intellectual property (IP) plays a central role in today’s economy, where ideas, technology, creativity, and branding often matter as much as (if not more than) physical products. Whether you are running a business, developing a new product, creating artwork, or simply protecting your brand identity, understanding how IP rights work in Cyprus is essential.

Cyprus offers a comprehensive legal framework that protects a wide range of intellectual assets. While some IP rights arise automatically, others require registration before they can be enforced. This article outlines the main IP rights recognised under Cypriot law, explains their essential features, and highlights practical considerations for businesses and creators.

B. COPYRIGHT

What Copyright Protects

Copyright in Cyprus is primarily governed by the Copyright and Related Rights Law of 1976 (Law 59/1976) (as amended). Copyright protects original works of authorship, including:

  • Literary works (which expressly include computer programs)
  • Scientific works
  • Musical and artistic works, including photographs
  • Films and audio-visual works
  • Databases
  • Sound recordings (phonograms)
  • Broadcasts
  • Press publications

In addition to these “economic rights”, creators benefit from moral rights, which include the right to be credited (paternity) and the right to object to alterations that could harm the author’s honour or reputation. Unlike other jurisdictions, there is no express provision in the relevant law for the possibility to waive moral rights in Cyprus; it therefore appears that they cannot be waived. Moreover, moral rights only last for the lifetime of the author. They are not passed on to the author’s heirs.

How copyright arises

One of the distinctive features of copyright in Cyprus is that it does not require registration. Protection arises automatically once two conditions are met:

  1. Originality: the work must be the product of the author’s own intellectual effort; and
  2. Fixation: the work must be recorded in some form (written, saved digitally, recorded, etc.).

Cyprus is a signatory to the Berne Convention, meaning copyright protection extends across all member countries. In practice, this means that where a work originates in one Contracting State (i.e. where a work’s author is a national of such a State or the work has first been published in such a State), it must be given the same protection in each of the other Contracting States as the latter grants to the works of its own nationals (principle of “national treatment”).

Duration of Protection

In most cases, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years. Some categories, such as sound recordings (phonograms), broadcasts, performances or databases, have different durations.

Practical notes

Although registration is not required, including a copyright notice such as:

© [Year Created] [Author]. All Rights Reserved.

helps clarify ownership and can deter infringement.

In addition, depositing the work in an online repository like iDepot can provide the author with a time-stamped confirmation for the purposes of evidence. It is not a copyright registration tool.

Finally, some people choose to send it to themselves via double-registered post. Once received, it can be stored safely somewhere and dug out in the event that a dispute arises. In this case, the dated stamp may provide clarity as to the time and origin of the work.

C. PATENTS

What patents protect

Patents protect inventions, which must satisfy three criteria under the Patents Law of 1998 (Law 16(I)/1998) (as amended):

  1. Novelty: the invention must be new;
  2. Inventive step: it must not be obvious to a skilled person in the field;
  3. Industrial application: it must be capable of practical use.

Patents cover technical solutions, not ideas. Typical patentable subjects include mechanical devices, pharmaceuticals, industrial processes, and technological innovations.

The importance of confidentiality

One of the most common pitfalls is disclosing an invention prematurely. Public disclosure before filing can destroy novelty and make patent protection impossible. For this reason, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may be considered when discussing an invention with third parties.

How to obtain a patent

Patent applications require careful drafting.

Patents may be filed:

(a) Nationally in Cyprus;

(b) Regionally through the European Patent Office;

(c) Internationally under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Duration

Patent protection lasts for 20 years, provided renewal fees are paid annually.

If the patent concerns a medicine or a plant protection product, protection can last up to 25 years (again, provided that the annual fees are paid).

If the patent concerns a paediatric medicine, it may be possible to obtain a further six months of protection.

You can find more information on patents here.

D. TRADE MARKS

What is a trade mark?

A trade mark identifies the commercial origin of goods or services. Under the Trade Marks Law (Cap. 268) (as amended), examples include:

  • Logos
  • Brand names
  • Slogans
  • Signatures or stylised names
  • Certain shapes or packaging elements

Cyprus uses a multi-class system, allowing a single application to cover multiple categories of goods and services.

Registration requirements

Trade marks must be registered to be enforceable. Two types of obstacles may arise:

  1. Absolute grounds: signs that cannot function as trade marks (descriptive terms, generic words, etc.);
  2. Relative grounds: conflicts with prior registered or unregistered rights.

Territorial nature and duration

Trade mark protection is territorial. Rights may be acquired:

  • Nationally,
  • Through the EU Intellectual Property Office (EU trade marks), or
  • Internationally via the Madrid System.

There is no such thing as an “international trade mark” that has automatic worldwide protection. If you file for an international trade mark via the Madrid System, you need to select countries for protection.

Once registered, a trade mark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments.

You can find more information on trade marks here.

E. INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS

What industrial designs protect

Industrial designs protect the appearance of a product. That is, it protects its shape, lines, contours, colour, or ornamentation. Protection is available under the Legal Protection of Industrial Designs Law of 2002 (Law 4(I)/2002) (as amended).

To qualify, a design must have:

  1. Novelty, and
  2. Individual character (a distinctive overall impression).

Novelty and individual character are not assessed at the time of filing. Rather, they will be assessed in the event that an “attack” is made on a design to have it declared invalid.

Registration and duration

In Cyprus, design protection requires registration, which may be obtained on a:

  1. National level,
  2. Regional (EU) level, or
  3. International level under the Hague System.

On an EU level, protection may also be available for unregistered designs. Protection arises upon disclosure of the design in the EU and lasts for three years.

Registered designs last for an initial five-year term, renewable in five-year increments for up to 25 years.

F. TRADE SECRETS

The nature of trade secrets

Trade secrets are protected under the Protection of Undisclosed Know-how and Business Information (trade secrets) against their Unlawful Acquisition, Use and Disclosure Law of 2020 (Law 164(I)/2020) (as amended). They cover confidential business information that has commercial value because it is secret. This may include formulae, processes, algorithms, client lists, or marketing strategies.

Requirements for Protection

Unlike some other IP rights, trade secrets:

  • do not require registration;
  • are not limited by territory; and
  • remain protected as long as they remain secret.

However, the owner must show that reasonable steps were taken to keep the information confidential. Examples include using NDAs, access controls, or confidentiality clauses in employment contracts.

G. DOMAIN NAMES

Why domain names matter

Although not traditional IP rights, domain names are vital assets, especially for branding and online presence. Domain names may be registered:

  • Nationally (.cy) through the University of Cyprus (UCY),
  • Regionally (e.g., .eu), or
  • Internationally (.com, .net, etc.).

Disputes and renewals

Domain names require periodic renewal. Dispute resolution mechanisms, such as UDRP procedures for international domains, are available to resolve conflicts involving bad-faith registrations or cybersquatting.

H. BUSINESS (TRADE) NAMES

Understanding business names

A business or trade name is the name under which a person or company trades. In Cyprus, this is not the same as a trade mark. While business names are registered with the Registrar of Companies, they do not automatically grant trade mark-level protection over the name itself.

For this reason, brand-focused businesses often register both a business name and a trade mark.

I. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS

Geographical indications (GIs) and protected designations of origin (PDOs) safeguard products whose quality or reputation is linked to their geographic origin. These rights are important in Cyprus, such as the PDO for halloumi cheese.

J. WHO OWNS THE IP?

Ownership is one of the most important (and often overlooked) issues in IP law. For instance, with copyright, the default position varies depending on the type of work:

  • Commissioned works: Ownership does not automatically transfer to the commissioning party unless a written agreement states otherwise.
  • Employment: Works created in the course of employment typically belong to the employer, but contracts should specify this clearly.

In all cases, it is vital to secure IP ownership through contracts, assignments, or NDAs when sharing ideas for evaluation or funding purposes.

K. ENFORCEMENT AND PROTECTION STRATEGIES

Registering IP rights is only the first step. Enforcement may involve:

  • Customs applications for action, which allow authorities to detain suspected counterfeit goods;
  • Trade mark watch services to monitor new applications that may conflict with your rights;
  • Monitoring online marketplaces and social media;
  • Taking timely legal action when infringement arises.

A proactive approach is essential for maintaining control over your intellectual property.

L. FINAL THOUGHTS

Cyprus offers a robust and modern framework for the protection of intellectual property rights, aligning closely with EU legislation and international standards. Understanding these rights, and specifically how they arise, how they are protected, and how they are enforced, can make a significant difference in safeguarding the value of creations and innovations.

A single creation can have many overlapping IP rights and care must be taken to identify and protect them all.

For individuals and businesses alike, the key takeaway is that creating IP is not enough: you must ensure it is registered (when required), protected, and properly managed to preserve its commercial value.

If you’d like help navigating any of these areas or assessing which IP rights are relevant to your business, legal guidance can provide clarity and ensure your assets are fully protected.

 

* The content of this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create a lawyer-client relationship.