Application success rate at Malta’s CD-IPRD: 5-year overview
Between 2019 and 2023, Malta registered a trademark application success rate of 69.21% on average. While 2019 saw an impressive success rate of 88.74%, subsequent years revealed a downward trend, with the approval rate dipping to 55.61% in 2023. This volatility suggests that while Malta offers real potential for trademark protection, applicants should take extra care to prepare robust applications.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 1,277 | 1,439 | 88.74% |
2020 | 1,190 | 1,492 | 79.76% |
2021 | 937 | 1,575 | 59.49% |
2022 | 1,178 | 1,779 | 66.22% |
2023 | 951 | 1,710 | 55.61% |
Total (average) | 5,533 | 7,995 | 69.21% |
Comparison to regional and global averages
With a five-year average success rate of 69.21%, Malta falls slightly below the global average, and trails behind major jurisdictions such as the EUIPO (71.66%) and regional countries like Cyprus (90.68%), Lithuania (89.18%), and Slovakia (80.48%).
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Malta | CD-IPRD | 69.21% |
Cyprus | DRCIP | 90.68% |
Italy | UIBM | 88.09% |
Greece | OBI | 89.55% |
The European Union | EUIPO | 90.80% |
Key challenges and opportunities in Malta’s trademark system include:
Inconsistent approval rates: The marked decline in success rates—from 88.74% in 2019 to just 55.61% in 2023—indicates that examination practices may have become more stringent or that the nature of applications submitted has changed. This shift makes it critical for applicants to fully understand the current criteria and expectations of the CD-IPRD.
Examination process: The CD-IPRD conducts thorough substantive examinations, including conflict checks and assessments of distinctiveness. Given the lower approval rates, it’s important for applicants to ensure their trademarks are not only original but also clearly differentiated from existing rights on the register.
Moderate filing volumes: Malta receives a moderate number of trademark applications annually, with an average of around 1,600 filings per year. This workload allows for careful examination but also highlights the importance of submitting a legally sound and strategically framed application from the start.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Malta
While Malta offers a high average success rate of 89.18%, the best outcomes come from strategic preparation. Before applying, conduct a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential risks. Choose a mark that is both distinctive and legally registrable, and define your goods and services with clarity and precision.
Partnering with a trademark attorney familiar with the CD-IPRD landscape can significantly improve your chances. They can help anticipate objections, prepare your application thoroughly, and represent you throughout the process if issues arise.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
