Overview
IP protection in Albania.
Albania is an EU candidate state and a NATO member with a trademark framework that has been comprehensively modernised. The new Law on Trademarks (Law No. 52/2025), adopted in July 2025, fully transposes EU Trademark Regulation 2017/1001 and Directive 2015/2436, bringing the Albanian system in line with EU standards.
Trademark rights are acquired through registration at the General Directorate of Industrial Property (DPPI/GDIP) in Tirana. Electronic filing has been mandatory since May 2022. Albania is a member of the Madrid Protocol and the Paris Convention.
Foreign applicants without a place of business or residence in Albania must appoint a local representative certified and registered with the DPPI/GDIP.
IP Office
General Directorate of Industrial Property (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Pronësisë Industriale — DPPI/GDIP)
Madrid Protocol
Yes
Opposition period
3 months from date of publication
Trademark validity
10 years, renewable
Local rep. required
Mandatory for foreign applicants
IP Office
The IP Office.
| Full name | General Directorate of Industrial Property (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Pronësisë Industriale — DPPI/GDIP) |
| Website | dppi.gov.al |
| Legal basis | Law on Trademarks, Law No. 52/2025, adopted 3 July 2025 |
| Madrid Protocol | Yes |
| Paris Convention | Yes |
| Nice Agreement | Yes - all 45 classes |
| WIPO member | Yes |
| EU alignment | Fully transposed EU Regulation 2017/1001 and Directive 2015/2436 |
| Local representative | Mandatory for foreign applicants |
Registration
Trademark registration in Albania.
Applications are filed electronically with the DPPI/GDIP. Albania follows the first-to-file principle. The application must include a representation of the mark and a list of goods and services classified under the Nice Classification.
Filing language
Albanian
Priority claim
6 months from first filing in a Paris Convention country.
Certified copy and translation into Albanian required within 3 months of filing in Albania.
Opposition period
3 months from date of publication
Can not be extended.
Registration timeline
Approximately 12–18 months
For uncontested applications
POA requirement
Original signed power of attorney with company stamp
No notarisation or legalisation required
Non-use cancellation
Available after 5 years of continuous non-use
Any person may file, no legitimate interest required
Classification
Nice Classification, all 45 classes
Madrid Protocol
Available
Albania can be designated in international applications.
Response to opposition
2 months from receipt of notice
Can not be extended.
Trademark validity
10 years from filing date
Subject to additional fee
Renewal grace period
6 months after expiry
Request must be filed during the last year of validity or within 9 months after expiry
Oppositions
Oppositions & cancellations.
Albania has a functioning opposition system administered by the Opposition Chamber within the DPPI/GDIP. Third parties may file an opposition within 3 months of publication. This deadline cannot be extended.
The applicant has 2 months to respond to the opposition. This deadline also cannot be extended. If the applicant fails to respond, the application is automatically refused within the scope of the opposition.
Non-use cancellation is available after 5 years of continuous non-use. Unlike most other jurisdictions in the region, Albania allows any person to file a cancellation request — no legitimate interest needs to be demonstrated. The burden of proof lies entirely with the trademark holder. Non-use cancellation can be pursued administratively before the Chamber for Revocation and Invalidity, or judicially before the First Instance Court in Tirana.
Appeals against DPPI/GDIP decisions go first to the Board of Appeal within 45 days of the reasoned decision, and subsequently to the Administrative Court of First Instance in Tirana within 45 days.
Enforcement
Trademark enforcement in Albania.
Albania offers civil, administrative and criminal enforcement channels, coordinated across the DPPI/GDIP, the market inspectorate and the customs authority.
Civil proceedings
Tirana First Instance Court
Tirana First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction handles all trademark infringement matters. Rights holders can seek injunctions, seizure of infringing goods, damages and publication of judgment.
Border measures
Customs Administration - DMPI
The Customs Administration has a dedicated IP Protection Directorate (DMPI) within its Operational-Investigative Department. Rights holders can file a customs recordal application. Once approved, customs authorities can detain suspected infringing goods at the border.
Market Inspectorate
ISHMT
The State Market Surveillance Inspectorate enforces trademark rights at market level, with authority to inspect, seize and destroy counterfeit goods.
Criminal proceedings
Available for wilful infringement
Available for wilful trademark infringement.
Local counsel
Local counsel
Foreign applicants cannot act directly before the DPPI/GDIP. Local representation is mandatory for all proceedings.
Albania's trademark system has been substantially reformed with Law No. 52/2025, which introduces new procedural rules. Navigating the transition from the previous law - and the implementing regulations currently being drafted - requires current knowledge of local practice.
IP Adria handles trademark prosecution, opposition, cancellation and enforcement in Albania as part of its regional practice. For matters spanning Albania and other Balkan jurisdictions, we coordinate all actions from a single point of contact.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Does Albania require a local representative for trademark filings?
Yes. Foreign applicants without a place of business or residence in Albania must appoint a representative certified and registered with the DPPI/GDIP. Direct filing by foreign applicants is not permitted.
What is the opposition period for trademarks in Albania?
3 months from the date of publication of the trademark application. This deadline cannot be extended.
Do I need to demonstrate a legitimate interest to cancel a trademark for non-use in Albania?
No. Albanian trademark law allows any person to file a non-use cancellation request - there is no requirement to demonstrate a legitimate interest. This is one of the most permissive cancellation regimes in the region.
Other jurisdictions
Also covered.
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