Trademark Registration In Albania

COMPLETE GUIDE Trademark Registration in Albania Step by step — from application to certificate

1. What is a trademark and why register it?

A trademark is any sign that identifies the products or services of a business and distinguishes it from others. It can be:

Business or product name
Logo (graphic figure)
Slogan
Characteristic color combination
Shape of the product or packaging
Any combination of the above

By registering your trademark, you gain:

Exclusive right of use — only you can legally use that mark in Albania
Legal protection — you can legally act against anyone who copies or imitates your brand
Business value — a registered trademark is a transferable and licensable asset
Credibility — increases trust with clients, banks and investors

⚠ Important: Trademark registration is not a prerequisite to operate a business, but it is the exclusive protection of your name and logo. Without registration, anyone can freely use them.

2. Types of trademarks — which suits you?

According to Albanian trademark regulations, several types of marks exist. Before applying, decide which type you are registering:

Type	Description	Example
Word mark	Text only, no graphic styling	“VISION CONSULTING”
Figurative mark	Logo with graphic elements, colors, styling	Logo with colors and style
Position mark	Protects the specific placement of the sign on the product	Louboutin red sole
Shape mark	3D shape of the product or packaging	Coca-Cola bottle shape
Collective mark	For a group of businesses or association — used by all members	Exporters association

3. Classes of goods and services (Nice Classification)

Each trademark is registered for specific categories of products or services, called ‘classes’. The international classification system is called Nice Classification and contains 45 classes in total.

The first class is included in the base fee. Each additional class has an extra cost of 2,500 ALL. It is important to choose the correct classes covering your activity.

Most common classes for Albanian businesses:

Class	Fields	Examples of goods/services
25	Clothing & footwear	Clothing, shoes, textile products
30	Food (dry/baked)	Cereals, biscuits, bakery, confectionery
32	Non-alcoholic beverages	Fruit juices, smoothies, energy drinks, water
35	Marketing & Business services	Advertising, consulting, online marketplace
36	Financial services	Insurance, accounting, real estate
42	Technology & Software	Online platforms, apps, AI services
43	Hotels & Restaurants	Food services, accommodation
45	Legal services	Legal consulting, professional services

🔗 Full Nice Classification: https://nclpub.wipo.int/enfr/

4. Documents required for application

The trademark registration application is made exclusively online through the e-Albania platform. Documents to prepare:

Mandatory documents:

Form FM1 — official application form filled in and electronically signed on e-Albania
8 copies of the logo/mark — 8×8 cm dimensions (if applying physically) or uploaded as digital file
Payment receipt — proof of payment of the applicable fee at BKT bank
List of goods and/or services — divided by Nice Classification classes

Additional documents (as applicable):

Authorization/Power of Attorney — if applying through a representative (with company seal or notarized)
Rules of use document — only for collective marks
Priority certificate — if claiming priority from a previous application abroad

📌 Note for foreign companies: Foreign entities may only apply through an authorized representative licensed by DPPI, equipped with a power of attorney pursuant to the Albanian Civil Code.

5. Step-by-step procedure — 6 official phases

The trademark registration procedure goes through 6 official phases. The total process usually takes 6 to 9 months.

No.	Phase	Deadline
1	Application and filing	Immediately
2	Issuance of filing certificate	Up to 2 months
3	Formal examination of documents	Up to 3 months
4	Examination of absolute grounds (legal)	Up to 3 months
5	Publication and opposition period	3 months
6	Final registration + issuance of certificate	Up to 3 months

Phase 1 — Application and Filing

The application is made online through the e-Albania portal, service: “Application for national trademark registration”. Form FM1 is completed electronically and digitally signed. Payment is made at BKT and the payment document is uploaded to the system.

Phase 2 — Issuance of Filing Certificate

DPPI verifies whether the application meets the basic requirements of Article 145/4 of the law. If there are deficiencies, the applicant is notified and has 2 months to correct them. After completion, DPPI issues the filing certificate — this date is very important as it marks the start of protection.

Phase 3 — Formal Examination

Within 3 months from the filing certificate, DPPI examines the completeness of the documentation. If additional documents are required, the applicant has 3 months (with the option to extend by 2 more months against payment).

Phase 4 — Legal Examination (Absolute Grounds)

DPPI verifies whether the mark meets legal requirements under Articles 140, 141 and 142 of the Industrial Property Law. It checks whether the mark is distinctive, non-descriptive, and does not conflict with public interest. If there are issues, the applicant has 2 months (+2 additional) for explanations.

Phase 5 — Publication and Oppositions

If the mark passes all examinations, it is published in the DPPI official gazette. After publication, the 3-month period begins during which third parties may file oppositions if they claim conflict with their existing mark.

Phase 6 — Final Registration

If no oppositions are filed (or they are rejected), DPPI notifies the applicant to pay the registration fee within 1 month. After payment, DPPI registers the mark and sends the registration certificate online within 3 months.

6. Registration costs

Fee type	Amount
Individual mark — first class	7,000 ALL
Collective or certification mark — first class	8,000 ALL
Each additional class (second, third, etc.)	2,500 ALL/class
Search report (optional, before publication)	Additional fee
Out-of-turn examination (urgent)	Additional fee

Calculation example: If you register an individual mark (logo + name) in 3 classes: 7,000 (class 1) + 2,500 (class 2) + 2,500 (class 3) = 12,000 ALL Payment is made exclusively at BKT branches. The payment invoice is available on the e-Albania platform.

7. How to fill in the application form (FM1)

Form FM1 is completed online through e-Albania and has several key sections:

Section A — Applicant information

Choose whether you are the applicant (mark owner) or authorized representative. Fill in only one section. If you are the company administrator applying on behalf of the company, your details go under ‘Representative’, not applicant.

Section B — Application information

Mark type: select one (word, figurative, position, shape, etc.)
Category: Individual / Collective / Certification
Mark representation: upload the logo image (for figurative mark)
Designation: write the verbal name; describe figurative elements; write translation into Albanian if the mark contains foreign-language words
Colors: if claiming color protection as a distinctive feature, enter the codes (Pantone, HEX, RGB, etc.)

List of goods and services

This is perhaps the most important field. List all goods and/or services by Nice Classification classes, separated by semicolons.

Example: Class 32: Fruit juices; non-energy drinks; smoothies; flavored waters; vitamin drinks. Class 30: Breakfast cereals; granola; biscuits; bakery products; chocolate; grain-based snacks.

8. Validity and renewal

The trademark registration certificate provides exclusive protection for a period of 10 years, starting from the date of filing of the application.

Upon expiry, the mark can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods. Renewal is carried out with the applicable fee at DPPI, usually within 6 months before expiry.

✅ Your mark during the registration process: From the date of filing the application, your business can continue its commercial activity normally. Albanian law does not provide for any prohibition on exercising activity during the procedure. Your mark has de facto protection from the filing date.

9. Official links and resources

Online application (e-Albania): https://e-albania.al/ServiceDetails/13401
DPPI — Trademarks: https://dppi.gov.al/markat-tregtare-dhe-te-sherbimit/
Nice Classification (WIPO): https://nclpub.wipo.int/enfr/

Need help with your trademark registration? The Vision Consulting Albania team offers full advisory services — from identifying the right classes and preparing documentation, to following up the procedure at DPPI. www.visionconsulting.al