Is there a grace period for renewing a trademark in Slovakia?

Brands tend to evolve and undergo numerous changes over time. Many companies have changed their names to cater to a larger audience, either by altering their original logos for a more modern look or abandoning controversial words in their slogans. As the company expands beyond its planned offerings of goods and services or decides to take a different direction altogether, usually what follows are certain changes or even complete rebranding. A common question is then: can trademarks change over time? Well, it depends.

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.

Online brand protection is becoming increasingly more convenient. Major e-commerce platforms as well as social media allow easy reporting and takedown of products and content infringing on intellectual property rights. Trademark registration is however an essential first step of making sure that these advances play in your favour, not act against you in a detrimental way.