How to Register a Trademark in Ukraine

Registering a trademark in Ukraine gives its owner exclusive rights to use that sign for specific goods or services and enables legal actions against infringers. Ukraine is a member of the World Trade Organization, the Paris Convention, and the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, so its trademark law generally aligns with international standards. Since 2022, the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO) has performed the functions of the National Intellectual Property Authority. New rules for filing and examining trademark applications came into force on 18 September 2024, and the national procedure is governed by the Law of Ukraine on Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services.

What can be registered as a trademark in Ukraine

Under Ukrainian law, a trademark is any designation (word, figurative element, colour combination, or combination of these) that distinguishes goods or services of one person from those of others. The 2025 ICLG guide notes that Ukraine recognizes word, figurative, three‑dimensional, sound, positional, ornamental, motion, holographic, multimedia and colour marks. In practice, most filings are word or figurative marks, but the new rules also provide guidelines for unconventional marks such as motion or holographic marks.

Absolute grounds for refusal include marks that are contrary to public order or morality, descriptive or non‑distinctive marks, and marks that imitate state symbols. Before filing, ensure that the sign does not violate these prohibitions.

Step 1 – Classify goods and services and conduct a search

Ukrainian trademarks are registered in classes following the Nice Classification, the international system used by most jurisdictions. The applicant must list the goods or services for which protection is sought. Multiple‑class applications are permitted, but official fees increase for each additional class. The new rules allow applicants to use the standard list from WIPO or an individual list within each class, and the list must be in Ukrainian.

A pre‑filing search is not mandatory but is highly recommended. It helps to identify identical or confusingly similar marks that could block registration. The Ukrainian IP Office offers a Special Information System (SIS), an official database where you can search by keywords, applicant name, goods/services, and other criteria. International databases, such as WIPO’s Global Brand Database, can also be consulted for potential conflicts.

Step 2 – Prepare the application and required documents

To obtain a filing date, a trademark application must include the following elements:

1. Request for registration – The application must state that protection is sought for a trademark in Ukraine.
2. Information about the applicant(s) – Names, addresses, and nationality of the applicant(s). Multiple owners are allowed.
3. Representation of the mark – A clear depiction of the sign. For word marks, this is the word itself; for figurative or combined marks, a high‑quality image is required. The image must be no larger than 8 × 8 cm for paper filings.
4. List of goods/services – Grouped according to the Nice Classification and written in Ukrainian. Colour claims must describe the colours and may require a coloured representation.
5. Priority claim documents (if applicable) – A declaration of priority referencing an earlier application and a certified copy of that application must be filed within three months.

Language and translations

The official language is Ukrainian. If the application is filed in another language, a Ukrainian translation must be submitted within two months. Documents such as a power of attorney and priority documents must also be translated.

Power of attorney and representation

Foreign applicants must appoint a Ukrainian trademark attorney to file and prosecute the application. A signed power of attorney is required but does not need notarization or legalization. It may be filed with the application or within two months of the filing date.

Payment of fees

An official filing fee must be paid within two months of filing. Under Article 7 of the law, the deadline may be extended up to six months by paying an additional fee. The law provides that failure to pay the fee causes the application to be considered withdrawn. The official fee depends on the number of classes and whether the mark is in colour. As of 2025, the basic filing fee is 3,000 UAH per class for word or black‑and‑white marks, with 3,000 UAH for each additional class and 1,000 UAH if a colour image is included. A multiplication coefficient of 1.3 applies when there are multiple applicants. A publication fee of 600 UAH per class and a certificate issuance fee of 85 UAH for residents or 200 USD for non‑residents must be paid upon registration. The table below summarizes the principal official fees.

Service	Official fee (UAH)	Notes
Filing application, each class	3 000	for word/black‑and‑white marks
Surcharge for each additional class	3 000	for each class beyond the first
Colour claim	1 000	additional fee if the image is in colour
Publication fee per class	600	paid after acceptance
Certificate issuance fee	85 UAH (residents) or 200 USD (non‑residents)	paid upon grant

Attorney fees are separate.

Step 3 – File the application with UANIPIO

Applications may be filed on paper or electronically through UANIPIO’s online portal. They may be submitted by the applicant, an authorized representative, or an appointed Ukrainian patent attorney. Once the application is received, the Office assigns a filing date and application number. A preliminary check ensures that the application contains the minimum required elements and that the fee has been paid. Failure to provide the necessary materials results in refusal to register the mark or withdrawal of the application.

Step 4 – Formal examination and publication

UANIPIO carries out two types of examination: formal and substantive. During a formal examination, officials verify that the application meets statutory requirements, the goods/services are properly classified, the mark is graphically represented, and the fee is paid. If any deficiencies are found, the applicant may be invited to correct them within two months (extendable up to six months). The formal examination results in either acceptance and publication or refusal.

When the application passes the formal check, it is published in the Official Bulletin. Third parties have three months from publication to file an opposition. During this time, UANIPIO also conducts a substantive examination, assessing absolute grounds for refusal and relative grounds (conflicts with earlier marks). The applicant may submit arguments or amendments in response to objections and is entitled to request copies of materials that oppose the application.

Step 5 – Substantive examination and decision

The substantive examination analyses whether the mark has distinctive character, whether it is descriptive or deceptive, and whether it conflicts with earlier trademarks, geographical indications or rights. The examination also checks compliance with the new rules on unconventional marks, such as sound or motion marks. The process may take 18–20 months on average, though it can be extended if oppositions or provisional refusals occur. During examination the applicant has an opportunity to amend the goods/services list, submit arguments and evidence, or restrict the application to overcome objections.

After completion of the examination, UANIPIO issues an examination opinion and decides whether to register the mark or refuse it. The decision may cover all or part of the goods/services. If the decision is favourable, the applicant must pay the publication and certificate issuance fees within three months; failure to do so results in withdrawal. If refused, the applicant may appeal.

Step 6 – Obtain the certificate and use your trademark

Once fees are paid, UANIPIO registers the trademark in the State Register and issues a certificate. The certificate contains the mark, the owner’s details, the list of goods/services, the filing and priority dates, and the registration number. It is sent to the owner within one month of registration. A duplicate may be issued if the certificate is lost, and obvious errors can be corrected. A registered trademark in Ukraine is valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive ten‑year periods.

Rights conferred by registration

The owner of a registered mark has the exclusive right to use the mark in commerce for the goods/services listed, to prohibit unauthorized use or confusingly similar signs, to assign or license the mark, and to record it with customs authorities to prevent importation of counterfeit goods. The law also allows the owner to bring civil actions against infringers and seek damages.

Use requirement

If a trademark is not used for five consecutive years after registration or after any later date, it may be canceled by a court at the request of any interested party. Therefore, after registration the mark should be used and evidence of use kept.

Priority claims and international protection

Priority claims

Under Article 9 of the law, an applicant who filed an earlier trademark application in any Paris Convention country may claim priority if the Ukrainian application is filed within six months. The priority claim must be indicated at filing, and the priority document and its translation must be submitted within three months.

International applications via the Madrid System

Ukraine is a member of the Madrid Agreement and Protocol. This allows two routes:

• Foreign applicants designating Ukraine in an international application – A trademark owner from another member state can file through their home office. WIPO examines formalities and registers the mark internationally; UANIPIO then examines the designation for compliance with Ukrainian law. If accepted, the mark enjoys the same protection as a national registration.
• Ukrainian applicants seeking protection abroad – After obtaining or filing a national application, the owner may file an international application through UANIPIO to extend protection to other Madrid member states. The international application must correspond to the goods/services listed in the basic application or registration.

Registration timeline

Although each case is unique, the typical timeline for registering a trademark in Ukraine is roughly 18–24 months. The process can be summarized as follows:

1. Filing date – Application submitted; pay filing fee within two months.
2. Formal examination – 2–4 months. Applicant may need to correct deficiencies.
3. Publication and opposition period – After formal examination, the application is published for a three‑month opposition period.
4. Substantive examination – 10-18 months, depending on workload and oppositions. UANIPIO issues an examination opinion.
5. Decision and registration – Upon acceptance, pay the registration and publication fees within three months. Certificate issued within one month.

Maintaining and renewing the registration

A registered trademark in Ukraine lasts ten years from the filing date. To maintain protection, the owner must file a renewal request and pay the renewal fee within six months before the expiration date. A six‑month grace period after expiry is available with a surcharge. Reinstatement is not possible once both periods expire, so owners should monitor deadlines carefully. Non‑use for five consecutive years can lead to cancellation.

Conclusion

Registering a trademark in Ukraine protects your brand, distinguishes your goods or services and gives you legal tools against infringers. The process involves classifying goods and services, conducting a search, preparing the application, paying fees, passing through formal and substantive examination, publication, and finally obtaining a certificate. Although the procedure may take 18–24 months and requires attention to deadlines, planning and the assistance of a local attorney make it manageable. After registration, ensure continuous use and timely renewals to maintain protection. Through understanding Ukrainian law and using resources like the SIS database, applicants can secure reliable trademark rights in this important Eastern European market.