Various new intellectual property regulations have entered into force in Albania, including the Regulation on the Registration of Trade and Service Marks (in force since 4 February 2009) and the Regulation on the Registration of Geographical Indicators (in force from 22 January 2009).

The regulation on trade and service marks lets third parties oppose applications for registration on relative grounds (the previous law provided for oppositions on absolute grounds only). It also provides specific rules for other trade mark functions such as the extension of international registrations.

Source: Vladimir Nika, SD Petosevic, Tirana, writing in World Trademark Review.