Trademark Registration in Monaco (MC): Protect Your Brand in the Principality

Monaco follows the Nice Classification system to manage trademark registration. Under this classification, trademarks are categorised into 45 different classes — of which 34 are for goods (Classes 1–34) and 11 for services (Classes 35–45).
An important aspect of trademark registration is the selection of the correct trademark classes in Monaco. Monaco permits multi-class applications, allowing an applicant to cover several categories of goods and services under a single filing. Expert guidance from a qualified trademark agent in Monaco is crucial for selecting the appropriate class or combination of classes, as overly narrow specifications may leave gaps in protection while excessively broad specifications attract objections or future cancellation actions for non-use.
 

• Local agent in Monaco: filings go through an agent established in the Principality, as Monaco requires for foreign applicants.
• French specifications drafted by lawyers: accurate French wording protects the scope you need.
• Europe-wide view: we plan Monaco filings alongside France, Italy, Switzerland and the EU, so there are no gaps.
• Fixed written quotes: official and professional fees shown separately, before you instruct us.
• One point of contact: our Dubai office manages your Monaco filing with your other markets.

A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.

MCIPO’s official fees for trademark registration in Monaco are set by Sovereign Order No. 11.765. One application covers up to 3 classes for the base fee.

Fees last checked: 14 October 2026. USD at EUR 1 = USD 1.12, rounded. Contact us for a fixed written quote for your filing.

A straightforward application takes 2–4 months from filing to certificate, one of the fastest timelines in Europe. An objection adds 2–3 months. Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 10 years without limit. You can renew in the final 6 months before expiry, and within a 6-month grace period after it with a surcharge.

Monaco has a strong, modern, and internationally aligned legal system for the protection of intellectual property rights including trademarks. Let us examine the legal framework in brief.
Sovereign Order No. 8.575 of 29 January 2021
This is the principal statute consolidating and modernizing Monégasque trademark law. It defines what constitutes a trademark, sets out the registration procedure, prescribes rights of the proprietor, regulates enforcement actions, and establishes the penalties applicable to infringement and counterfeiting. It harmonizes Monégasque practice with prevailing European and international standards.

Implementing Regulations
Issued by the Government of Monaco, these regulations operationalize the Sovereign Order — covering procedural details for filing, examination, opposition, renewal, and the recordal of assignments and licences. Monaco supports digital filing through the IP Office's online portal, bringing transparency and speed to the registration process.
Madrid Protocol Monaco
As a member of the Madrid Protocol, Monaco enables businesses with a Monégasque trademark registration (or a pending application) to register their trademarks internationally through a single application filed with WIPO. Conversely, foreign brand owners may designate Monaco in an international application based on a home registration elsewhere. This is highly beneficial for businesses planning regional or global expansion from Monaco, as well as for international brands seeking efficient protection within the Principality.

Paris Convention & Other Treaties
Monaco is a long-standing member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Nice Agreement (classification of goods and services), the Vienna Agreement (classification of figurative elements), the TRIPS Agreement, and the WIPO Convention. These memberships secure national treatment, priority rights, and protection of well-known marks for international applicants.

Trademarks in Monaco are governed by Law No. 1.058 of 10 June 1983 on trademarks and service marks (Loi n° 1.058 du 10 juin 1983 sur les marques de fabrique, de commerce ou de service). Official fees are set by Sovereign Order No. 11.765. The Monaco Industrial Property Office (MCIPO), part of the Direction du Développement Économique, receives, examines and registers marks. Monaco is a member of the Paris Convention and the Madrid System. There is no administrative opposition: challenges and cancellation actions go to the Court of First Instance (Tribunal de Première Instance).

You do not need to use a mark before filing in Monaco. After registration, an interested party can seek cancellation if the mark has not been used in Monaco for five consecutive years without a valid reason. Keep dated invoices, packaging, store photos, event materials and online listings that show the mark in use in the Principality.

Office objections.

The office examines only absolute grounds, such as lack of distinctiveness or misleading marks. If it objects, you have 2 months to reply.

No opposition procedure.

Monaco has no administrative opposition. Owners of earlier rights must act through a cancellation or infringement action before the Court of First Instance. This makes a pre-filing search and a watch service especially important.

Appeals.

A refusal by MCIPO can be challenged before the Court of First Instance within x months of notification.

A registered trademark gives you the legal standing to stop copycats in Monaco. Without it, you must rely on unfair competition claims, which are harder to prove.

What counts as infringement.

Using an identical or similar mark for the same or similar goods or services, selling counterfeit products, or imitating a well-known mark.

Your enforcement options

• Cease-and-desist letter: often the fastest way to stop a local infringer.
• Infringement seizure (saisie-contrefaçon): a court-authorised bailiff can record evidence and seize infringing goods.
• Civil action: claim an injunction, damages and destruction of goods before the Court of First Instance.
• Criminal penalties: counterfeiting can lead to fines and imprisonment under the trademark law.
• Customs measures: Monaco is in a customs union with France, so border measures work through French customs. A customs application flags counterfeit shipments.
• Online takedowns: remove infringing listings on marketplaces and social media.

Defending your registration.

Watch new Monaco filings and act quickly against conflicting marks, since there is no opposition stage.

How Legacy Partners Global helps.

Our trademark consultants in Monaco handle evidence gathering, cease-and-desist letters, cancellation actions and coordination with local litigation counsel.