- Knowledge
Slovenia
Trademark opposition system
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Slovenia
Trademark opposition acceptance agency
1. Administrative supervisory authority
Composed of 2 legal experts and 1 technical expert
Handling complex case review and hearing procedures
Responsible for formal review, evidence acceptance, and preliminary ruling
Mandatory adoption of electronic submission system (e-SIPO)
Objection Office of the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)
Industrial Property Reexamination Committee
2. Judicial Authority
Appeal to the Intellectual Property Division of the Ljubljana High Court if dissatisfied with the administrative ruling
Final appeal submitted to the EU Law Chamber of the Supreme Court of Slovenia (dedicated EU Law Expert Group)
Special requirements for agents:
EU applicants can entrust EU registered lawyers to represent them
Non EU applicants must submit their applications through members of the Slovenian Patent Agents Association (SLPIT)
Non Slovenian language documents require authentication and translation by the Ministry of Justice (Chinese documents require dual authentication: Embassy of Slovenia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)
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Timing of Trademark Objection
Following the time limit rules under the EU framework:
1. Official announcement period
After substantive examination, the trademark will be simultaneously announced on the SIPO official website and the EU Trademark Gazette for 3 months
The deadline for electronic submission is 23:59 (CET) on the last day of the announcement period
2. Supplementary Objection Period
Within 5 years after trademark registration, supplementary objections can be raised based on malicious registration
An additional fee of 800 euros is required (1.5 times the original fee)
3. Special grace rule:
Applicants from the former Yugoslavia region can apply for a 30 day grace period (proof of regional chamber of commerce is required)
Force majeure requires notarized proof (such as an emergency declaration issued by a consulate)
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Basis for Trademark Objection Application
According to Articles 14 and 15 of the Industrial Property Law and EU Directive 2015/2436, the statutory grounds for objection include:
（1） Absolutely prohibited reasons
1. Lack of significance
Composed solely of descriptive terms (such as Alpski med Alpine honey)
Unauthorized use of EU registered geographical indications (such as Kranjska klobasa Kaniola sausages)
2. Violation of public order
Contains national badges, traditional symbols (such as the Triglav Mountain pattern), or discriminatory content
（2） Relative prohibited reasons
1. Prior conflict of rights
Confusion with Slovenian/EU registered trademarks (Nice Classification 12th edition)
Copy a trademark with a reputation in the European Union (market report for the Adriatic region is required)
2. Commercial name rights
There is substantial similarity with the registered business name in AJPES (Commercial Registration Office)
3. Domain name registration
Registering someone else's trademark as a. si domain (subject to the 2021 SI Domain Dispute Resolution Rules)
（3） Special protection reasons
1. Traditional product labeling
Infringement of protected traditional specialty names (such as Prekmurska gibbanica and Prekmurska thousand layer cake)
2. Cultural heritage symbols
Abuse of cultural heritage elements recognized by UNESCO (such as Idrija lace)
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Trademark opposition process
▶ Stage 1: Electronic submission (0-15 days)
Submit a statement of objection through the e-SIPO system (Slovenian/English)
Please attach:
Proof of prior rights authenticated by The Hague
Evidence of actual use of the trademark (including invoice with Slovenian VAT number)
Balkan Market Analysis Report (when applicable to well-known trademarks)
Payment fee: 550 euros
▶ Stage 2: Formal Review (15-30 days)
SIPO completes the review within 10 working days
Common correction requirements:
Supplementary Certificate of Commodity Circulation from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (GZS)
Update the power of attorney for EU Bar Association certification
▶ Stage 3: Substantive defense (1-3 months)
The opposing party shall submit a defense statement within 45 days (with the option to apply for a 20 day extension)
Simultaneously submit a statement of intent to use (certified by a notary public)
▶ Stage 4: Evidence Exchange (3-7 months)
Both parties can submit up to two rounds of evidence (with a 30 day interval between each round)
Accept the European Union Standard Electronic Evidence Format (eEvidence)
▶ Stage 5: Hearing Procedure (7-10 months)
The review committee held a hearing through Zoom (evidence package needs to be uploaded 7 days in advance)
Both parties shall submit a technical comparison report (not exceeding 40 pages of bilingual text)
▶ Stage 6: Administrative adjudication (10-14 months)
Possible ruling outcome:
Stage 7: Judicial relief (14-26 months)
The losing party may appeal to the Ljubljana High Court (deadline is 30 days)
The average trial period of the Supreme Court is 12-18 months
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Trademark opposition period
Time optimization tool:
Green Channel: Provide 6-month fast arbitration for innovative technology trademarks
Mediation suspension: Both parties can suspend the process if they reach a settlement (up to 12 months)
Practical operation suggestions
1. Regional collaboration strategy
Real time tracking of announcements in the former Yugoslavia region using the EU Trademark Monitoring System (TMview)
Synchronize registration of Slovenian and Croatian trademark versions (reducing the risk of conflicts in multiple countries)
2. Key points for evidence reinforcement
Provide sales records certified by the Slovenian Tax Service (FURS) (including ID-DDV tax number)
Social media evidence needs to be notarized and accompanied by a summary of Slovenian language content
3. Cultural compliance management
Avoid misuse of protected expressions such as TRADICIJA (traditional) (with prior approval from the Ministry of Culture)
Trademarks containing names of historical figures must obtain compliance opinions from the National Archives
4. Cost control plan
Apply for the EU SME Fund (50% reimbursement of official fees)
Adopting a segmented payment model:
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The Slovenian trademark opposition system highlights the delicate balance between the EU framework and local traditions, with its core advantages being the special protection of cultural heritage and efficient electronic processes. Suggested companies:
1. Regional layout through the Unified Patent Court (UPC) of the European Union
2. Advance application for national geographical indication protection for traditional product trademarks
3. When conducting cross-border business in the Alps, priority should be given to applying the intellectual property provisions of the Alpine Convention
