Trademark Registration in Ukraine: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark registration in Ukraine is administered by the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovations (UKRNOIVI — Український національний офіс інтелектуальної власності та інновацій), established in 2019 to replace the former Ukrainian Intellectual Property Institute (Ukrpatent). UKRNOIVI is the competent national authority responsible for the filing, examination, publication, and registration of trademarks in Ukraine. The Ukrainian trademark system follows a first-to-file principle and includes formal and substantive examination prior to registration. Ukraine is a candidate country for European Union membership (application submitted February 2022; candidate status granted June 2022) and its IP legislation is actively being harmonised with EU standards as part of the EU accession process, making Ukraine an increasingly important jurisdiction for brand owners with EU and Eastern European market strategies.
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Introduction
Ukraine is Eastern Europe’s largest country by area and one of its most significant economies, with a population of approximately 44 million (prior to the displacement caused by the full-scale Russian invasion of February 2022). Ukraine has a highly educated workforce, a developed technology and IT sector that has generated globally recognised software, cybersecurity, and digital services companies, significant agricultural output (it is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, sunflower oil, and corn), and a substantial industrial base. Despite the ongoing impact of the war with Russia that began in 2014 and escalated in February 2022, Ukraine’s IP registration system — administered by UKRNOIVI from Kyiv — has continued to function, and trademark registration remains available and enforceable throughout government-controlled territory. Ukraine’s EU candidate status and the adoption of key EU IP directives as part of its Association Agreement obligations make Ukrainian trademark law one of the most EU-aligned outside the Union itself. Brand owners with interests in the Ukrainian market, the Ukrainian diaspora community, or the post-war reconstruction economy should consider trademark registration as a priority element of their IP strategy.
Why register your trademark in Ukraine
Exclusive Rights: Grants exclusive legal ownership and the right to use your trademark throughout Ukraine for the registered goods and services, with statutory priority over later conflicting marks — enforceable in all government-controlled territory.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorised use through UKRNOIVI, the Ukrainian commercial courts (hospodarski sudy), and customs authorities, with civil, administrative, and criminal remedies available.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the territory of Ukraine and supports anti-counterfeiting enforcement through the State Customs Service of Ukraine and the Economic Security Bureau.
EU Candidate & Harmonisation Value: Ukraine’s EU candidate status and active IP harmonisation process create a market environment progressively aligned with EU IP standards — making early trademark registration strategically valuable for businesses planning EU-adjacent market entry.
Reconstruction & Investment Gateway: Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction is expected to involve significant international investment, procurement, and commercial activity. Early trademark registration secures brand ownership ahead of this anticipated economic expansion.
Asset Value: A registered trademark is a transferable intangible asset that can be licensed, franchised, pledged, or assigned to support commercial growth, technology transfer, joint ventures, and corporate transactions in the Ukrainian and regional market.
Our trademark services in Ukraine
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search of the UKRNOIVI register and WIPO Madrid Database to identify potential conflicts before filing
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Ukraine national trademarks — handled by registered Ukrainian patent attorneys (patentnyi poverenyi).
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Ukraine trademark protection, with proactive deadline monitoring and docketing
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of newly filed and published marks in Ukraine and the WIPO Madrid system to identify potential conflicts at the earliest stage.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers, corporate mergers, and restructuring recordals with UKRNOIVI.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license, franchise, or expand your brand within Ukraine and across Eastern European and EU-adjacent markets.
Opposition & Enforcement
End-to-end representation in opposition before the UKRNOIVI Appeal Chamber, appeal to the courts, and civil and criminal infringement proceedings.
Customs Recordal & Anti-Counterfeiting
Recordal of trademarks with the State Customs Service of Ukraine and coordination of border seizure actions against counterfeit goods.
Trademark registration process in Ukraine
Here is how to register a trademark in Ukraine, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Ukraine. Legacy Partners manages each stage on your behalf — from initial clearance through to issuance of the registration certificate by UKRNOIVI.
Ukraine Trademark Search & Application
We begin with a comprehensive availability search across the UKRNOIVI register and the WIPO Madrid Database (for international registrations designating Ukraine) to identify potential conflicts before filing. Once clearance is confirmed, the application is prepared in Ukrainian and filed with UKRNOIVI electronically or in hard copy — either as a national filing or as the national phase of a Madrid Protocol designation. Legacy Partners manages all documentation, translation, and power of attorney requirements on the client’s behalf.
Formal & Substantive Examination
UKRNOIVI conducts a formal examination (verifying applicant details, classification, fees, power of attorney, and documentation completeness) followed by a substantive examination on absolute grounds (distinctiveness, descriptiveness, deceptiveness, public order, official symbols, and geographical indications). UKRNOIVI also conducts a relative grounds examination, checking for conflicts with earlier registered marks and well-known marks in Ukraine. Office actions, if any, must be responded to within prescribed deadlines. Foreign applicants must be represented by a Ukrainian patent attorney (patentnyi poverenyi) registered with UKRNOIVI.
Acceptance and Publication
Once the application clears examination, the mark is published in the Official Bulletin of UKRNOIVI (Ofitsiinyi Biuleten — Офіційний бюлетень), opening a three-month window for third-party opposition. The opposition period may be extended by UKRNOIVI upon reasoned application.
Opposition Period
Third parties holding prior rights may file an opposition within three (3) months of publication in the Official Bulletin. Grounds include identity or similarity with an earlier registered or well-known mark, prior use in Ukraine, bad-faith filing, or other grounds under the Law on Marks. Oppositions are heard by the Appeal Chamber (Apellatsiina palata) of UKRNOIVI, with further appeal available to the courts.
Registration & Certificate
If no successful opposition is raised, UKRNOIVI registers the mark in the State Register of Trademarks, issues a Certificate of Registration, and publishes the registration in the Official Bulletin. The mark is then fully enforceable against third parties throughout Ukraine.
Validity & Renewal
The trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and is renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods on payment of renewal fees to UKRNOIVI. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry, subject to payment of a late renewal surcharge.
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Documents required for trademark registration in Ukraine
Applicant name & business entity (individual or company, with registered address)
Trademark details (word mark, figurative/logo, combined, 3D, colour, sound, or other non-traditional mark)
Classes of goods and/or services (Nice Classification)
Power of attorney (signed by an authorised signatory; notarisation and apostille or legalisation may be required for foreign applicants)
Specimen or representation of the mark (for figurative or non-standard marks)
List of goods/services (in Ukrainian, clear and precise specification)
Priority documents (if claiming convention priority under the Paris Convention)
Certified translation into Ukrainian of any supporting document not in Ukrainian
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approximately 12 to 18 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections or oppositions under normal operating conditions. Applicants should note that wartime operational pressures may cause processing times to extend beyond this range in some cases. UKRNOIVI has maintained substantive examination services since February 2022 and Legacy Partners actively monitors processing timelines on behalf of clients. Where a Madrid Protocol designation is used, the timeline may vary depending on the procedural status at WIPO and the examination requirements at UKRNOIVI.
Validity and renewal
The trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods by paying renewal fees to UKRNOIVI. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry, subject to payment of a late renewal surcharge. The trademark must be put to genuine use in Ukraine within five years of registration; failure to do so may expose the mark to cancellation on grounds of non-use upon application by any interested third party before the UKRNOIVI Appeal Chamber or the competent court.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Ukraine is principally governed by the Law of Ukraine on Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services (Law No. 3689-XII of 15 December 1993, as amended), and Book IV of the Civil Code of Ukraine (intellectual property provisions). The legislative framework is supplemented by implementing regulations issued by UKRNOIVI, the Customs Code of Ukraine for border enforcement, and the Criminal Code of Ukraine for criminal enforcement of trademark rights. Ukraine’s IP legislation has been progressively aligned with EU standards under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (in force 2017) and continues to harmonise further as part of the EU accession process. Ukraine is a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the TRIPS Agreement, and the Trademark Law Treaty, and is a signatory to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.
Important Note: Trademark Registration During the Ongoing Conflict -
Ukraine has been subject to a full-scale Russian military invasion since 24 February 2022, which has significantly affected large parts of the country’s territory, infrastructure, and population. UKRNOIVI has continued to operate from Kyiv and trademark registration, examination, and enforcement services remain available throughout government-controlled territory. Applicants should be aware that: enforcement may be limited or unavailable in occupied or conflict-affected areas; processing timelines may be subject to delays due to wartime operational pressures; and the practical situation on the ground continues to evolve. Legacy Partners maintains up-to-date operational contacts with UKRNOIVI and monitors the situation on behalf of clients to ensure continuity of trademark prosecution and portfolio management.
Trademark Classes Ukraine (Nice Classification)
Ukraine follows the Nice Classification system, categorising trademarks into 45 classes — 34 for goods (Classes 1–34) and 11 for services (Classes 35–45). UKRNOIVI permits multi-class applications. The specification of goods and services must be filed in Ukrainian and must be clear, precise, and consistent with Nice Classification standards as applied by UKRNOIVI. Expert guidance on class selection is particularly important for technology, agri-food, pharmaceutical, and professional services sectors where Ukraine has globally competitive industries.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in Ukraine: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in Ukraine?
Under normal operating conditions, trademark registration in Ukraine takes approximately 12 to 18 months from the filing date through to issuance of the registration certificate by UKRNOIVI. Given the ongoing conflict, processing times may be subject to some variation. Legacy Partners monitors UKRNOIVI timelines on behalf of clients to provide current processing estimates.
Is trademark registration in Ukraine still possible during the war?
Yes. UKRNOIVI has continued to operate and process trademark applications, oppositions, and renewals throughout the conflict. Trademark registration, examination, and enforcement services remain available for government-controlled territory. Legacy Partners maintains active relationships with UKRNOIVI and Ukrainian patent attorneys to ensure continuity of service for clients.
Do I need a local representative to file a trademark in Ukraine?
Yes. Foreign applicants are required by law to act through a Ukrainian patent attorney (patentnyi poverenyi) registered with UKRNOIVI. Direct filing by foreign applicants without local representation is not permitted. Legacy Partners provides full local representation through its network of registered Ukrainian patent attorneys.
Are multi-class trademark applications permitted in Ukraine?
Yes. UKRNOIVI permits multi-class applications. A single application may cover multiple classes of goods and/or services, with an additional official fee payable for each class.
What is the validity period of a trademark registration in Ukraine?
A trademark registered in Ukraine is valid for 10 years from the filing date and is renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, subject to timely payment of the renewal fee to UKRNOIVI. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry.
What language is required for filing in Ukraine?
All filings before UKRNOIVI must be made in Ukrainian, the sole official language of Ukraine. Applications, specifications, and all official correspondence must be in Ukrainian. Legacy Partners manages all translation and document preparation requirements on behalf of clients filing from non-Ukrainian-speaking jurisdictions.
What is the opposition period after publication in Ukraine?
The opposition period in Ukraine is three (3) months from the date of publication of the application in the UKRNOIVI Official Bulletin. This period may be extended by UKRNOIVI upon reasoned application by an opponent. Oppositions are heard by the UKRNOIVI Appeal Chamber.
Is Ukraine a member of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. Ukraine is a member of the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks. A WIPO international application can designate Ukraine as part of a multi-country filing strategy, enabling cost-effective simultaneous trademark protection across multiple jurisdictions.
How does Ukraine’s EU candidate status affect trademark strategy?
Ukraine’s EU candidate status (granted June 2022) and the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement require Ukraine to progressively align its IP legislation with EU standards, including the EU Trade Mark Directive and the EU Enforcement Directive. This harmonisation process makes Ukrainian trademark law increasingly compatible with EU frameworks, which is strategically significant for businesses planning EU-adjacent operations. Brand owners with EU Trade Mark registrations should note that EUTM protection does not extend to Ukraine — a separate Ukrainian national registration or Madrid Protocol designation is required to protect IP rights in Ukraine.
Does an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) cover Ukraine?
No. Despite Ukraine’s EU candidate status, an EUTM registered with EUIPO does not provide protection in Ukraine. Ukraine is not an EU Member State and EUTM protection is limited to the territory of the 27 EU Member States. Separate trademark protection in Ukraine must be obtained through a national filing with UKRNOIVI or a Madrid Protocol designation of Ukraine.
Does a Ukraine trademark protect me in Russia or other neighbouring countries?
No. A Ukrainian trademark provides protection only within the territory of Ukraine under government control. Separate national filings or Madrid Protocol designations are required for protection in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Belarus, and Russia (noting that many international brand owners are currently reviewing their Russia IP strategies in light of the conflict and international sanctions).
Does Ukraine recognise well-known marks?
Yes. As a member of the Paris Convention, Ukraine extends protection to well-known marks within the meaning of Article 6bis of the Convention. Well-known mark status may be invoked in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the UKRNOIVI Appeal Chamber even where the mark is not registered in Ukraine.
Can I assign or licence my trademark in Ukraine?
Yes. A registered Ukrainian trademark may be assigned or licensed, in whole or in part. Assignments and licences must be recorded with UKRNOIVI in the State Register of Trademarks to be enforceable against third parties.
What is the use requirement for trademarks in Ukraine?
A registered trademark must be put to genuine use in Ukraine within five years of registration. A trademark that has not been genuinely used for a continuous period of five years without good reason may be vulnerable to cancellation on non-use grounds upon application by any interested third party. Given the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian courts and UKRNOIVI are expected to consider wartime circumstances as a relevant factor in assessing non-use.
What is the best trademark registration provider for Ukraine?
Legacy Partners is a globally trusted trademark and IP services firm offering end-to-end registration, prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management in Ukraine and over 150 jurisdictions worldwide, with transparent pricing, dedicated account management, and direct access to registered Ukrainian patent attorneys (patentnyi poverenyi) accredited with UKRNOIVI.
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This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
