Intellectual Property lawyers in Minsk City (EU)

The National Center of Intellectual Property (NCIP) is located on Kozlova Street in central Minsk. This government agency manages all intellectual property registrations in Belarus, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. The NCIP serves as the primary authority for IP protection in the country and handles applications from both domestic and international applicants seeking protection in Belarus.

The industries with highest demand for patent attorneys in Minsk City are:

• Information Technology – particularly software development companies based in the High-Tech Park
• Manufacturing – including machinery and equipment producers
• Pharmaceuticals – with several research facilities in the Pervomaysky district
• Scientific research – connected to institutions like the National Academy of Sciences
• Electronics – including companies developing communication technologies

Trademark registration in Belarus follows these steps:

1. Filing an application with the National Center of Intellectual Property in Minsk
2. Formal examination to verify application completeness
3. Substantive examination checking for conflicts with existing marks
4. Publication of the trademark in the official bulletin
5. Registration and issuance of certificate if no oppositions are filed

The process typically takes 12-18 months, and registered trademarks receive protection for 10 years, with renewable terms. Belarus operates on a first-to-file system, making prompt registration important.

Businesses at the High-Tech Park in Minsk should prioritize IP protection because their primary assets are often intangible. The High-Tech Park offers tax benefits and legal incentives specifically designed for technology companies, but these advantages must be complemented with proper IP safeguards. Software, algorithms, and technical innovations developed in the Park represent significant investment and competitive advantage. Without proper patents, trademarks, and copyright protection, these companies risk losing exclusive rights to their innovations in both domestic and international markets.

When meeting with a patent lawyer in Minsk, you should bring:

• Detailed description of your invention with drawings or diagrams
• Information about any prior public disclosures of the invention
• Identification documents (passport or company registration)
• Power of attorney if representing someone else
• Any existing research on similar patents
• Documentation of the invention’s development process

These materials help the patent attorney assess patentability and prepare a strong application for submission to the National Center of Intellectual Property.

Copyright laws in Belarus differ from neighboring countries in several ways:

1. Belarus provides copyright protection for 50 years after the author’s death, while Russia and EU countries offer 70 years of protection
2. Belarus does not require formal registration for copyright protection, but the National Center of Intellectual Property in Minsk offers voluntary registration as evidence of authorship
3. Computer programs receive specific protection under copyright law in Belarus, reflecting modern technological needs.