Overview
IP protection in North Macedonia.
North Macedonia is an EU candidate state with a well-established industrial property system. Trademark rights are acquired through registration at the State Office of Industrial Property (SOIP). North Macedonia is a member of the Madrid Protocol and the Paris Convention.
Foreign applicants must appoint a local representative registered with SOIP for all proceedings before the Office.
One notable feature of the Macedonian trademark system is the renewal grace period of nine months after expiry - the longest in the Balkan region - giving rights holders additional time to maintain their registrations.
IP Office
State Office of Industrial Property (SOIP)
Madrid Protocol
Yes
Opposition period
90 days from date of publication
Trademark validity
10 years, renewable
Local rep. required
Mandatory for foreign applicants
IP Office
The IP Office.
| Full name | State Office of Industrial Property of North Macedonia Завод за индустриска сопственост — SOIP |
| Website | ippo.gov.mk |
| Legal basis | Law on Industrial Property, Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia |
| Madrid Protocol | Yes |
| Paris Convention | Yes |
| Nice Agreement | Yes - all 45 classes |
| WIPO member | Yes |
| Local representative | Mandatory for foreign applicants |
Registration
Trademark registration in North Macedonia.
Applications are filed with SOIP. North Macedonia 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
Macedonian
Priority claim
6 months from first filing in a Paris Convention country.
Certified copy of the original application must be submitted within 90 days of filing in North Macedonia.
Opposition period
90 days from date of publication
Can not be extended.
Registration timeline
Approximately 12–18 months
For uncontested applications
POA requirement
Power of attorney required
No notarisation or legalisation required
Non-use cancellation
Available after 5 years of continuous non-use
Classification
Nice Classification, all 45 classes
Madrid Protocol
Available
North Macedonia can be designated in international applications
Response to opposition
Up to 60 days
From notification
Trademark validity
10 years from filing date
Renewable indefinitely
Renewal
The longest grace period in the region
Request must be filed during the last year of validity or within 9 months after expiry
Oppositions
Oppositions & cancellations.
North Macedonia has a functioning opposition system. Third parties may file an opposition within 90 days of publication. This deadline cannot be extended.
The applicant has up to 60 days to respond to the opposition. If the applicant fails to respond, the application is refused within the scope of the opposition.
Non-use cancellation is available after 5 years of continuous non-use through an administrative procedure before SOIP. The petitioner must demonstrate a legitimate interest - filing a trademark application for an identical or similar mark is considered sufficient. There is no official fee for filing a non-use cancellation request. The burden of proof lies with the trademark holder.
Note that use commenced shortly before the filing of the cancellation request may not prevent the revocation.
Enforcement
Trademark enforcement in North Macedonia.
North Macedonia offers civil, administrative and criminal enforcement channels for trademark owners.
Civil proceedings
Competent courts
Trademark owners can seek injunctions, removal of infringing goods from circulation, damages and publication of judgment.
Border measures
Customs Administration
customs authorities can detain suspected infringing goods at the border. Rights holders can file a customs recordal application with the Customs Administration of North Macedonia.
Market Inspectorate
Administrative enforcement
Administrative enforcement body with powers to inspect, seize and destroy counterfeit goods on the market. The Inspectorate cooperates with customs and police authorities.
Criminal proceedings
Available for wilful infringement
Available for wilful trademark infringement.
Local counsel
Local counsel
Foreign applicants cannot act directly before SOIP or Macedonian courts. Local representation is mandatory for all proceedings.
Effective IP management in North Macedonia requires knowledge of local procedures, including the 90-day deadline for priority documents and the 9-month renewal grace period — both of which differ from practice in neighbouring jurisdictions.
IP Adria handles trademark prosecution, opposition, cancellation and enforcement proceedings in North Macedonia as part of its regional practice. For matters spanning North Macedonia and other Balkan jurisdictions, we coordinate all actions from a single point of contact.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the renewal grace period for trademarks in North Macedonia?
Nine months after expiry - the longest grace period in the Balkan region. A renewal request can be filed during the last year of the registration period or within nine months after expiry, subject to payment of the prescribed fee.
What is the opposition period for trademarks in North Macedonia?
90 days from the date of publication. This deadline cannot be extended under any circumstances.
Do I need to demonstrate legitimate interest to cancel a trademark for non-use in North Macedonia?
Yes. The petitioner must demonstrate a legitimate interest. Filing a trademark application for an identical or similar mark is considered sufficient to establish this. Notably, there is no official fee for filing the cancellation request.
Other jurisdictions
Also covered.
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