Lithuania: Intellectual Property In Lithuania

When Lithuania restored independence in 1990 it started creating the new legal system. It was main understanding that protection of all types of intellectual property has its impact on further development. Seeking for a membership in the European Union the Republic of Lithuania is improving and harmonising its legislation on protection of Intellectual property in accordance with the requirements of the EU.

Furthermore, Lithuania became a member of major international intellectual property conventions, therefore has obligations pursuant to those conventions. Lithuania is a member of WIPO Convention, the Paris Convention and Bern Convention, however till now have not joined the Rome convention.

At present Copyright and adjacent rights are regulated by Civil Code in Lithuania. Additionally Lithuania adopted the Law on legal protection of computer programs and databases (on 30 January 1996).

Industrial property is regulated by separate laws, namely:

• Patent Law (in force since 1 February 1994),

• Law on Trademarks and Service marks (in force since 1 October 1993),
• Industrial Design Law (in force since 1 September 1995).

The Law on protection of plant breeds and seed growing has come into force since 1 January 1997.

There is no special act regulating protection of indications of source or appellations of origin of the goods, however this protection is ensured on the basis of bilateral intergovernmental agreements and in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Law.

In order to enforce the protection of Intellectual property rights the relevant judicial procedures are provided in Civil process code. Legal protection is also ensured by State Patent Bureau, by the Institution of Competition and Defence of Consumers rights.

The content of this article is intended to provide general information. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.