21 May 2026
Register a Trademark in Malta
Learn how to register a trademark in Malta, which signs can be protected and how the procedure works under the Trademarks Act. Our Maltese lawyers can assist.
Would you like to protect your business and register a trademark in Malta? This article provides information on this topic and can guide you from the start. Plus, our Maltese lawyers with experience in trademark registrations can represent you in this endeavour.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trademark registration definition | Registering a trademark in Malta provides exclusive rights to use and protect a particular brand name, logo, or symbol. |
Intellectual property office (IPO) | Trademark registration in Malta is administered by the Malta Intellectual Property Office (IPO) under the Industrial Property Registrations Directorate. |
Search for existing trademarks | Our lawyers conduct a thorough search of the Malta trademark database to ensure your proposed trademark is not already registered. |
| Trademark classes and classification | We also determine the appropriate trademark classes and classifications that correspond to the goods or services you wish to protect. |
| Application form and requirements | Complete the trademark application form provided by the IPO and provide all necessary details. |
| Representation by our trademark agent | While not mandatory, hiring our trademark agent or attorney can ensure accurate and efficient completion of the registration process. |
| Filing the trademark application | Submit the completed application form, along with the required fees, to the IPO either online or in person. |
| Examination and publication | The IPO examines the trademark application for compliance with legal requirements. If approved, the trademark is published for opposition. |
| Opposition period | During the opposition period, third parties can raise objections to the trademark registration. Opposition period is 90 days. |
| Registration and certificate | If there are no successful oppositions or objections, and the IPO is satisfied, the trademark will be registered and a certificate will be issued. |
| Trademark duration and renewal | Trademark registration in Malta is valid for ten years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods. |
| Trademark use and enforcement | To maintain the validity of the trademark, it must be used in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. |
| International trademark protection (Madrid System) | Malta is not yet a party to the Madrid Protocol; protection abroad is obtained via an EU trade mark (an international registration designating the EU also covers Malta) or national filings. |
| Trademark watch services | Consider using our trademark watch services to monitor and protect your registered trademark from potential infringements. |
| Professional legal advice | Seeking professional legal advice from our trademark attorney can help navigate the complexities of trademark registration in Malta. |
Who can register a trademark in Malta?
Any foreign or local business owner who wants to develop his/her activities in complete safety, under a registered trademark in Malta.
What types of trademarks are accepted in Malta?
- Word Mark – a mark that consists solely of words, letters, numbers, or standard typed characters. This is a popular choice for many businesses, including HORECA;
- Figurative Mark – represented by non-standard characters, images, or graphic features without any text;
- Figurative with Words Mark – this mark includes both text and pictures, graphics, or images with words or letters;
- 3D Mark – as its name suggests, this is a three-dimensional mark represented by a three-dimensional shape;
- Pattern Mark – a mark with a set of elements that are regularly repeated;
- Sound Mark – it consists exclusively of a sound or a combination of sounds.
Where do I register a trademark in Malta?
At the Industrial Property Services – IPS in Malta.
What is the cost of a trademark registration in Malta?
It starts at EUR 115/trademark/class.
What is the validity of a trademark in Malta?
10 years.
What rights does the owner of a registered trademark in Malta have?
With a registered trademark, infringements can be avoided. Thus, two or more companies cannot use the same trademark if properly registered and recognized in Malta and abroad.
REMARK:
We also offer services regarding purchasing properties in Malta, if you are interested. We help interested individuals buy a house in Malta, including assisting in the negotiation process.
What are the key conditions for trademark registration in Malta?
- a trademark verification must be done first,
- select the desired trademark format,
- prepare the application and the trademark representation,
- complete the standard form with company and personal details before submission.
How can I register a trademark in Malta? Through which paths?
Trademark registration can be filed in person or online. In both cases, our customers can be guided by our Maltese lawyers so that the application is correctly prepared & submitted.
What is the trademark classification in Malta?
Malta respects & imposes the Nice classification for trademark registration.
Can a trademark application in Malta be rejected?
Yes, if the application is misleading, there are missing documents, or if there are conflicts with the selected trademark.
What is the time frame to register a trademark in Malta?
About 3-5 months.
You can contact our Maltese law firm for any questions regarding trademark registration. Our lawyers can also assist you in setting up an LLC in Malta.