Fewer National Applications, More Patent Validations and PCT Applications in Slovenia in 2018

The Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) recently published its annual report for 2018, which on the one hand shows a decline in national patent, trademark and design applications, and on the other hand an increase in patent validations and PCT applications.

The most significant drop was observed in the number of national design applications, which declined from 80 in 2016, to 66 in 2017, and finally 36 in 2018. The report also shows a 20% decrease in national patent applications, and a 4% decrease in national trademark applications in comparison to 2017. While the number of trademark applications has constantly been dropping since 2016, it remains at approximately 1,500 new applications per year.

On the other hand, the report shows a constant increase in patent validation cases (2,467 in 2016, 2,659 in 2017 and 2,795 in 2018) and PCT applications (30 in 2016, 45 in 2017 and 63 in 2018).

Additionally, it is interesting to note that around 23% more oppositions (against national trademark applications and international trademark registrations) were filed in 2018 than in 2017. After a significant downturn in opposition cases in 2015, an upward trend is noticed starting from 2016.

Finally, according to the report, the Administrative Court handled three times less cases concerning intellectual property rights in 2018 than in 2017. Only seven administrative lawsuits against SIPO decisions regarding trademarks were filed in 2018, which is 50% less than in 2017.

Prepared by: Barbara Mencin

For more information, please contact slovenia@petosevic.com.

Source: Slovenian Intellectual Property Office website