At a Glance: Filing and Registration of Trademarks in Croatia

Croatia follows the Nice Classification for the grouping of goods and services. Applicants may use general class headings or specific terms, provided they are clear and precise. Multi-class applications are permitted, with each class listed separately and identified by its corresponding class number.

Required Documentation and Filing Procedure:

To obtain a national trademark registration in Croatia, an application must be submitted to the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO). The application must include the applicant’s information, the classes of goods or services under the Nice Classification, a clear representation of the trademark, the type of mark (e.g., word, figurative, 3D, sound, etc.), and any other relevant details. The following documents must accompany the application:

• A list of goods and services, forming an integral part of the filing
• A certificate from a recognized exhibition authority, if the applicant claims exhibition priority
• Rules of use for a collective trademark (if applicable)
• Rules of use for a certification trademark (if applicable)
• Proof of payment of the prescribed filing fees; and
• A power of attorney, or a reference to a general power of attorney recorded in the official register, if the application is filed through a representative.

Trademark registration procedures are governed by the Trademark Act and the Act on Administrative Proceeding.

Since 21 November 2023, Croatia has offered a fully electronic filing system for trademark applications, oppositions, revocations, and invalidity requests. The system allows users to submit and track filings online, pay fees via credit card or electronic transfer through the e-Fee platform, and receive official communications digitally.

Trademark searches are not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended that applicants or their trademark attorneys conduct a preliminary search to avoid later oppositions and potential conflicts.

Registration Time Frame and Costs

After submission, SIPO examines whether the application meets all formal requirements and whether any absolute grounds for refusal exist. If the application passes examination, it is published in the Official Gazette, starting a 3-month opposition period for third parties.

If no opposition is filed, SIPO instructs the applicant to pay the first 10-year maintenance fee and publication fee within 30 days. Upon payment, the trademark is officially entered into the register, published, and a registration certificate is issued.
The trademark takes effect against third parties upon publication.

Official Fees (SIPO):