The state’s name derives from the Greek word Μακεδονία, a kingdom (later, region) named after the ancient Macedonians.

After the separation from Yugoslavia, Macedonia was known under the name of the ex-Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Due of the dispute with Greece regarding the use of the name “Macedonia”, resolved by the Prespa Agreement, the Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia in the year 2019.

(North) Macedonia became independent from Yugoslavia in 1991, and in the same year became a member of the WIPO.

Further, N. Macedonia is also, a contractor and a member of other international organizations and agreements such as the Nice agreement on the international classification of goods and services, the Hague agreement, the Madrid Agreement of the International trade mark registration, the PCT agreement and EPO.

The Law on Trade marks does not provide the protection of non-traditional marks, only a graphical representation of the mark is acceptable.

Accelerated examination procedure is possible in cases of a Court dispute.

Trade mark can be renewed 1 year from the renewal deadline at the earliest, and the grace period is the longest of all ex-Yugoslavian republics: 9 months (if the renewal is filed in a grace period of up to 4 months the official fee will be increased for 25%, and if a trade mark is renewed in grace period between 4-9 months, the official fee will be 100% increased).

N. Macedonia adopted the Vienna Convention on figurative trade marks on February 26, 2010, applicable as of May 26, 2010. All figurative trademarks registered prior to this date are not classified according to the Vienna Classification.

In the process of registration of a color trade mark, higher official fee has to be paid than in the case of a B&W mark.

Even though the Law anticipates the Class headings, in practice the IPO insists that the goods/services are precisely cited.

In N. Macedonia, protection of an invention via a short term patent is available, the validity is the usual 10 years, and there are no limitations regarding the number of patent claims. The applicant decides between a short term or regular patent when submitting the application or in the additional term of 6 months from filing date.

SPC protection is available.

Patent annuity can be paid 6 months before the deadline and the same as for trade mark, the grace period is the longest of all ex-Yugoslavian republics: 9 months (if the annuity is paid in a grace period of up to 4 months the official fee will be increased for 25%, and if annuity is paid in grace period between 4-9 months, the official fee will be 100% increased).

Renewal of designs falls every 5 years, for a total of 25 years.

Designs can be renewed 6 months prior to the renewal deadline at the earliest, and the grace period is the same as for trade marks and patents.

In case of recordal of different changes, such as name, address, and assignment, there is a  mandatory fee for the publication of these changes, that has to be paid.

Electronic filing is not available yet.

In the case of a lawsuit for infringement of rights, expert testimony must be submitted along with the lawsuit, otherwise the prosecutor loses the right to submit such testimony subsequently.

In N. Macedonia, POAs in all IP matters, only need to be simply signed with the position of the signatory noted, notarization/legalization is not required.

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