Select Country

Select a country to view information on local trademark law


Countries
A-E  F-J  K-O  P-T  U-Z

Multinational Agreements
EUIPO  WIPO
AIPO/OAPI  ARIPO
Enter Client Voucher:  info

Get Listed

Promote your expertise to IP professionals worldwide.
read more

Subscribe to Free Newsletter

To keep updated on the latest amendments to international trademark laws click here

Amendments to Trademark Laws

Print this page
Aug 22, 2018 (Newsletter Issue 14/18)
Belarus
Show Country Survey

Law on Patents for Inventions, Utility Models and Industrial Designs Amended


The amendments to the Belarus Law on Patents for Inventions, Utility Models and Industrial Designs entered into force on July 7, 2018.

One of the main novelties is the inclusion of public domain provisions. According to the amended law, a patent enters the public domain once it expires, is invalidated at the patent holder’s request, the legal entity that owns the patent ceases to exist, or if a patent holder dies without clear heirs or beneficiaries. When a patent enters the public domain, it may be used without the right holder’s consent and without remuneration, provided that the rules defining inventorship are respected.

Further, the law clarifies what can or cannot be recognized as an invention. For instance, methods of medical treatment are not patentable, while computer algorithms can be regarded as inventions.

The concept of 'dependent patent' for inventions and utility models is introduced, referring to inventions and utility models containing another invention or utility model already protected by an 'original patent'.

The maximum term of a utility model is now 10 years instead of eight. It is initially valid for five years and may be extended up to five years, not up to three years as before.

For further information, please see the article of the law firm PETOSEVIC here

Source: www.petosevic.com