Intellectual Property Law

Other areas of expertise:

Intellectual property law is one of the key pillars of modern business. Brands, innovation, software, design, and know-how often outweigh the value of tangible assets, making their protection essential. Effective IP management shields a company from unauthorized use, enables monetization of innovation, and secures a competitive market advantage.

Amid rapid technological development and globalization, intellectual property law has become both a legal and strategic priority. Proper protection brings operational certainty, strengthens the brand, and improves leverage in negotiations with partners and investors, laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.

Why Zunic Law for Intellectual Property Law?

Domestic and international experience – successful representation before the Serbian Intellectual Property Office, as well as before EUIPO and WIPO in international proceedings.
Practical solutions – strategies that are not only legally sound but also commercially sustainable and aligned with client goals.
Multidisciplinary team – combined expertise in IP, IT law, contract law, and competition law.
Innovative approach – modern tools for online infringement monitoring and protection strategies tailored to the digital market.
Brand-focused – we make IP an asset that delivers added value and business certainty.

Our Approach: Legal Certainty and Business Value

We treat intellectual property as a strategic business resource. Our goal is protection that is not only compliant but also delivers tangible commercial benefit.

We support clients from initial registration, through drafting agreements and licenses, to representation in proceedings and disputes.

In this way, IP becomes a tool for growth, investment, and market security.

Key Practice Areas in Intellectual Property

Trademark registration (national and international)
Industrial design protection
Brand protection
Copyright protection
Online copyright protection
Domain name protection
Patent protection
Copyright deposit
Unfair competition protection
Confidentiality and trade secrets
Representation before authorities and courts
IP agreements

Details follow below, with emphasis on concrete results we deliver.

1) Trademark Registration (National and International)

Clearance and availability – assessing whether the desired sign is free to register, comparing it with existing marks, and evaluating risks.
Filing and representation – drafting and filing applications before national and international bodies (IPO Serbia, EUIPO, WIPO), with careful selection of goods and services classes.
Complaints and appeals – representing clients when their marks are challenged or when they seek to oppose competitors’ marks.

Result: exclusive right to use the brand and long-term protection of the mark in domestic and international markets.

2) Industrial Design Protection

Design registration – preparing and filing applications to protect the product’s visual appearance before the IPO and international bodies.
Renewal and maintenance – tracking deadlines and ensuring timely extensions.
Representation in cases of violations – representing clients when third parties copy or use the design without authorization.

Result: a legally protected product look that boosts competitive advantage and brand value.

3) Brand Protection

Brand protection strategy – analyzing all brand elements (name, logo, slogan, visual identity, products/services) and recommending an optimal legal framework.
Registration of key elements – securing protection via trademarks, industrial designs, and other rights that form brand distinctiveness.
Market monitoring – tracking whether competitors or third parties use similar signs, products, or packaging that may cause confusion and infringe the brand.
Representation in cases of violations – representation before courts, inspectorates, and regulators, and negotiations with infringers.

Result: comprehensive, long-term protection of brand identity and reputation, ensuring competitive advantage and business stability.

4) Copyright Protection

Registration and deposit – enabling authors to secure clear, provable protection of their works.
Licensing and use – drafting agreements for the use of works, including films, software, music, and books.
Infringement actions – representing authors and companies in cases of plagiarism, piracy, and unauthorized use.

Result: secure and transparent protection of creative output and its commercial potential.

5) Online Copyright Protection

Preventing content misuse – support when third parties unlawfully use texts, photos, videos, or software online.
Takedown procedures – initiating removal of infringing material from websites, social networks, and platforms through formal notices and cooperation with providers.
Court protection – representing authors and content owners in litigation over online copyright infringements.
Digital protection guidance – advising on preventive measures via contracts, technical tools, and internal procedures.

Result: safe, legally protected use of creative content online, with efficient prevention and remediation of abuse.

6) Domain Name Protection

Registration and protection – advising on domain selection and registration consistent with IP rights.
Domain disputes – representing clients when third parties register identical or similar domains (cybersquatting).
Renewals and transfers – support for transfers and renewals.

Result: security and exclusive control over the company’s online identity.

7) Patent Protection

Preparation and filing – drafting documentation and filing patent applications in Serbia and internationally.
Maintenance and renewal – monitoring deadlines and keeping patents in force.
Patent infringement – representing clients in disputes and negotiations over unauthorized use of patented solutions.

Result: exclusive right to use the technical solution and the ability to commercialize innovations.

8) Copyright Deposit

Official records – enabling authors to deposit works to evidence authorship and scope of rights.
Software and database records – dedicated support for IT products.
Evidence in disputes – using deposits as proof in court and arbitration.

Result: clear proof of authorship and added legal certainty for rightsholders.

9) Unfair Competition Protection

Preventing product imitation – acting when competitors use designations that mislead consumers.
Unfair practices – responding to free-riding on reputation, deceptive marketing, and breaches of business ethics.
Proceedings before courts and inspectorates – deploying all available legal mechanisms to protect client interests.

Result: preserved market position and protection from unfair competitor behavior.

10) Trade Secrets and Confidentiality

Defining trade secrets – helping clients clearly designate and protect confidential information.
NDAs – drafting agreements binding employees, partners, and third parties to confidentiality.
Response to breaches – representing companies in disputes over disclosure of trade secrets.

Result: long-term protection of know-how, innovation, and competitive edge.

11) Representation before Authorities and Courts

Proceedings before the IP Office – representing clients in the proceedings concerning registration, renewals, and contesting IP rights.
Court and arbitration proceedings – enforcing rights in trademark, patent, copyright, and design disputes.
Negotiations and settlements – enabling amicable resolutions where it is in the client’s interest.

Result: effective enforcement through institutions and reduced risk of lengthy, costly disputes.

12) IP Agreements

IP transfer agreements – governing assignments of IP rights with clearly defined terms and consideration.
Copyright agreements – regulating rights and obligations of authors and users, including scope, term, and remuneration.
Trademark license agreements – permitting third-party use of registered marks under defined conditions.
Patent license agreements – setting terms for use of patented solutions, including fees and limitations.
R&D collaboration agreements – defining relationships in R&D projects, including ownership and use of results.
Sponsorship agreements – setting sponsor–beneficiary obligations, including promotion and IP use.
Advertising agreements – governing IP use in marketing and campaigns, including both parties’ rights and duties.

Result: clear, comprehensive contracts that protect rights, enable monetization, and reduce dispute risk.

What Collaboration with Us Looks Like

Initial analysis – assessing client needs and identifying key IP rights to protect.
Strategy definition – building a protection and monetization plan aligned with the business model.
Documentation – drafting applications, agreements, and internal acts in line with domestic and international rules.
Representation – acting before the competent institutions and courts.
Ongoing support – tracking deadlines, refreshing protection, and advising on portfolio development.

Examples of Completed Projects (Non-Confidential)

International trademark registration for an IT company and brand protection across three continents.
Legal support to a domestic startup on patent protection for a software solution.
Representation in an online copyright dispute, achieving successful takedown of unauthorized copies.
Drafting a trademark license and franchising arrangement for a regional retail chain.

Tijana Žunić Marić

Nemanja Žunić

Anja Berić

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is it important to register a trademark?

Trademark registration grants the owner the exclusive right to use the mark for designated goods or services and provides legal grounds against unauthorized use.

Without registration, protection relies on limited copyright or proving acquired distinctiveness, which is often complex and costly.

A registered mark facilitates enforcement and increases company value since it can be licensed, assigned, or used as collateral. For companies operating or expanding abroad, international registration is key to security in foreign markets.

2. What is the difference between copyright and industrial property?

Copyright protects original works—literary, artistic, musical, software, and similar—and arises automatically upon creation, without formal registration.

Industrial property covers rights obtained by registration, such as trademarks, patents, and industrial designs.

While copyright protects the expression of an idea, industrial property protects innovations, product appearance, and signs that distinguish goods or services.

In practice, these categories overlap, so comprehensive protection often requires a combination of both.

3. What can I do if someone uses my brand or content without permission?

First, assess whether there are registered rights (trademark, copyright, patent) and their strength.

Typically, the initial step is a cease-and-desist letter demanding cessation, with the prospect of further legal action. If amicable resolution fails, court proceedings can be initiated to stop use and claim damages.

In the digital context, removal can be sought via DMCA notices or with local providers and platforms. Speed matters, as infringements can erode brand value and cause reputational harm.

4. How are patents protected and how long does protection last?

A patent protects a technical solution—an invention—and grants the owner exclusive rights and the ability to prevent others from using it without consent.

Protection involves a detailed application (description, drawings, claims) followed by examination. In Serbia, as in most countries, patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.

Patents are crucial for innovative companies, providing a competitive advantage, attracting investors, and enabling technology licensing.

5. Can a domain name be legally protected as intellectual property?

A domain name itself is not an IP right, but it is closely linked to trademarks and brands.

If a domain contains a name or sign identical or similar to a registered mark, it can be protected through dispute-resolution procedures (UDRP at WIPO or national arbitration).

Court actions are also possible in cases of clear abuse, such as cybersquatting. In practice, a combination of trademark registration and timely domain acquisition is recommended.

6. Do I have to register a copyrighted work to be protected?

No. Copyright arises automatically upon creation. However, depositing a work with the IP Office or another authorized body is often useful in practice.

It provides evidence of authorship and date, which is crucial in disputes—especially for software, visual works, and other forms frequently commercialized or shared with third parties.

7. Which IP agreements are most commonly used?

Common agreements include: IP transfer (assignment) agreements, copyright agreements, trademark and patent licenses, R&D collaboration agreements, sponsorship agreements, and advertising agreements.

These govern how rights are used, transferred, or shared with partners, investors, and third parties.

Well-drafted contracts help prevent disputes while enabling monetization.

8. How long does it take to register a trademark or patent?

In Serbia, trademark registration typically takes 6–12 months if there are no third-party oppositions. International registrations may take longer depending on the countries involved.

Patent protection is more complex—filing and examination can take several years due to assessments of novelty and industrial applicability.

Legal protection, however, runs retroactively from the filing date, so early filing is recommended.