Do I have to prove use of a trademark in Slovakia?

Founder & Trademark Attorney · January 18, 2026

There is no requirement to prove use when filing or renewing a Slovak trademark; use is not a condition of registration or renewal. However, a registered mark must be put to genuine use in Slovakia in connection with the goods and services it covers.

If the mark is not genuinely used for a continuous period of five years (without proper reasons for non-use), it becomes vulnerable to cancellation on the application of a third party. Genuine use may also have to be proven in specific proceedings: an owner relying on an earlier mark in an opposition or invalidity action can be required to show that mark has been genuinely used, if it has been registered for more than five years.

Many entrepreneurs still consider trademark registration to be the least important step in the process of establishing their brand. This can become a big issue. Not registering a trademark from the start leaves a company vulnerable to potential copycats and other forms of brand infringement that can significantly damage its reputation and hamper growth. Here are 5 main risks associated with not registering a trademark that can be detrimental to your brand

Answering all your trademark concerns

Many entrepreneurs still consider trademark registration to be the least important step in the process of establishing their brand. This can become a big issue. Not registering a trademark from the start leaves a company vulnerable to potential copycats and other forms of brand infringement that can significantly damage its reputation and hamper growth.

When trademark becomes more renown than the real thing

Trademark registration can be viewed as a crucial step towards the market success. This article presents a closer look into the role of trademark registration in the success stories of Jacuzzi, Ping-Pong and Zamboni, for which the trademark has become more renown than the very product these brands describe.

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Do I have to prove use of a trademark in Slovakia?

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