Opposition is filed with the Slovak Industrial Property Office within three months of publication of the application in its bulletin. The deadline is strict: later additions, expanded grounds and evidence are disregarded, so the filing must be complete from the outset. Monitoring competitors' applications continuously is worthwhile. After registration, the longer route of an invalidity application remains.
The Slovak Industrial Property Office’s bulletin contains an application for a sign dangerously similar to your mark. Publication is not registration: this is precisely the point at which registration can be prevented. The opportunity is short and strictly limited.
Three months from publication in the bulletin
Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on Trademarks provides:
After publication of an application in the bulletin, a person referred to in Section 7 (the “opponent”) may file opposition on the grounds under Section 7 within three months of publication. Opposition must be reasoned and supported by evidence. Additions or extensions to opposition and evidence submitted after this period shall be disregarded.
— Section 30(1) of Act No. 506/2009 Coll. (unofficial English translation)
The period runs from publication in the bulletin, not when you learn of the application. Only a person with an earlier right under Section 7 may oppose, most commonly the owner of an earlier identical or similar mark for identical or similar goods and services.
A strict filing deadline for grounds and evidence
The third sentence of the quoted provision is central. Opposition is more than a letter expressing disagreement: it requires the complete legal argument and all evidence together, including proof of your earlier mark, comparison of the signs and goods or services, and evidence of reputation if relied upon. If opposition is not properly and timely filed, the Office discontinues proceedings (Section 31(1)).
An administrative fee under Act No. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees is payable on filing. If unpaid, the Office requests payment within 15 days of service of the request and discontinues proceedings if payment is not made (Sections 8(1) and 9 of that Act). Anticipate the applicant’s defence too: they may require proof of genuine use of your earlier mark. Non-use weakens the case; see whether an unused trademark can be lost.
Why monitoring the bulletin is worthwhile
The earlier mark’s owner must raise identity or similarity before the Office through opposition. If nobody opposes in time and registration requirements are met, the Office registers the sign (Section 33(1)). Systematic bulletin monitoring is therefore the most reliable way to discover the three-month window. The same logic applies to EU trademarks: opposition before EUIPO must be filed within three months of publication (Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001).
If the deadline has passed
Registration does not end the matter. An application for a declaration of invalidity may be filed on the same Section 7 grounds (Section 35(3) of Act No. 506/2009 Coll.). However, it is longer and more costly than opposition, while the registered mark formally belongs to the other party in the meantime. Unfair competition protection may also be available if the other party actually uses the sign.
How we can help
We arrange bulletin monitoring and prepare evidence-supported opposition through our trademark service. If the proceedings develop into a dispute over the sign, we handle it as an intellectual property dispute. Where someone exploits your name, unfair competition protection may also help.
If the deadline is already running, contact us promptly. Three months is less time than it seems for assembling evidence.
This answer provides general information on the law as at 29 August 2026. It does not constitute legal services or replace an assessment of an individual case. The details of your situation may differ. Book a consultation to discuss them.
