Registration of Trade Name

In Cyprus, the registration of a trade name is handled by the Registrar of Companies, which is part of the Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver.

To register a trade name in Cyprus, the following steps must be taken:

1. Choose a trade name that is unique and not already registered by another entity in Cyprus.
2. Conduct a name search to ensure that the chosen name is available for registration.
3. Prepare and submit the application for registration of a trade name to the Registrar of Companies, along with the registration fee.
4. Once the application is approved, the trade name is registered and the applicant will receive a certificate of registration.

The place of business of the trade name must be in Cyprus and it cannot be a P.O. BOX. The place of business will be the address which all the notices and publications will be sent. This will be inserted in the public record and everyone will have access to it. It is possible to change the place of business of the trade name by following the process prescribed by the registrar.

Forever! Trade names last for as long as they are used, and an application for its renewal is not necessary. If the company ceases its activities or it stops to use it, the Trade name elapses. Then, an application form is filed with the Registrar of Companies for its removal of the registry.

A trade name and a trade mark are not the same. A trade name is a name which may be used to trade under whereas a trade mark is a symbol, figurative or descriptive, which is used to trade with. 

Trade Marks are also registered in Cyprus and act as a shield against third parties attempting to pass of the brand as their own. Furthermore at times if the trademark owner identifies that people are attempting to pass off their products and services as those of the trade mark owner, an injunction may be sought along with restrictive measures against the party with compensation where as necessary.