International Correspondence Lawyers & Financial Experts

IP Protection in Serbia
IP Protection in Montenegro
- New Developments -

Date: 01-SEP-2006
Presented by: Mikijelj Jankovic & Bogdanovic

I.

The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (S&M) has ceased to exist on 3 June 2006. Its successors are the two independent states: The Republic of Serbia (capital city: Belgrade) and The Republic of Montenegro (capital city: Podgorica).

In SERBIA, the IP rights obtained in the S&M shall continue to enjoy the same protection as before and no additional formalities are needed. In MONTENEGRO, new legislation is due to be passed before the end of 2006, making it possible to validate (re-register) the IP rights which had enjoyed protection in S&M. Once the new Montenegrian legislation is in place, we shall inform you of it and will be ready to apply for re-registration of your IP rights in Montenegro. Should you have any queris, comments or suggestions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us.

II.

SERBIA has recently introduced legislation to enhance protection of IP rights through Customs Action as well as through other administrative actions to be taken against pirated and counterfit goods at the owner's request. More details on this are available on our website: www.mikijank.co.yu.

III.

KOSOVO is a province of SERBIA under UN administration, which may gain independence in the near future. Should this come to pass, we shall inform you immediately and be ready to ensure that your Serbian IP rights continue to be protected in Kosovo.

IV.

Final reminders:
- extension of European patents to both Serbia and Montenegro has been available since 24 November 2004;
- term for filing PCT applications in both Serbia and Montenegro has been extended to 30 months since 1 January 2004.

Source: Mikijelj Jankovic & Bogdanovic
Vlajkoviceva 28
11001 Belgrade
Serbia
tel. + 381 11 323 1970; 381 11 324 6185
fax + 381 11 324 5065
ivan@mikijank.co.yu
www.mikijank.co.yu