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Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners is an IP law firm operating in Estonia, supporting clients ranging from emerging startups to large multinational corporations. Since its founding in 1992, the firm has developed extensive experience in IP law, offering dependable and structured guidance for securing, managing, and enforcing intellectual property rights.
Leveraging a reliable network of local patent and trademark attorneys, we handle all aspects of intellectual property in Estonia, including prosecution, registration, licensing, and enforcement. As part of a long-established patent and trademark law firm, we ensure that all solutions align with Estonian legislation as well as international IP standards.
Estonian IP: Key Highlights
Estonia is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a party to major international IP treaties, including the Paris Convention, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid System, the Hague Agreement, and the Berne Convention. As a Member State of the European Union, Estonia operates within a highly developed and unified IP framework, allowing protection at both national and EU levels.
- Access to EU-Wide Protection Systems: Rights holders in Estonia benefit from EU-level mechanisms, including European Union trademarks and Community designs, as well as access to the European patent system. This enables efficient protection and enforcement of IP rights across multiple jurisdictions through unified procedures.
- Specialised IP Institutions: The Estonian Patent Office is the central authority responsible for the examination and registration of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. In addition, EU-level bodies such as EUIPO play a significant role for regional protection, while IP disputes are handled by Estonian courts with expertise in commercial and IP matters.
- Highly Digitalized IP Administration: Estonia has developed a highly advanced digital‑government infrastructure, including fully electronic filing systems, WIPO‑integrated Madrid‑e‑filing via the national Office, and publicly accessible online registers and case‑management tools, which significantly enhance transparency, efficiency and accessibility for both Estonian and foreign applicants.
Years of presence
Active in Estonia since 2006
Patents
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Estonian IP office
Trademarks
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Estonian IP office
New clients
Consistent growth of our client portfolio year by year
Our services in Estonia
In Estonia, we offer comprehensive IP services tailored to both domestic and international clients. Our practice covers patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, as well as the registration and protection of pharmaceuticals and medical products, supporting clients at every stage of the IP lifecycle — from creation and protection to enforcement and commercialization. Discover how we help maximize the value and competitiveness of intellectual property in Estonia.
In-House Patent Attorneys: Estonia
Intellectual property issues in Estonia are managed by our network of qualified IP attorneys, who deliver tailored, legally robust advice fully aligned with Estonian legislation and prevailing international IP standards. Drawing on both legal and technical expertise, our team develops practical and enforceable strategies to protect and enforce clients' intellectual property rights in Estonia and throughout the broader region.
Estonia IP news update
International Recognition of Our Expertise in Intellectual Property
Our firm is consistently recognized for excellence in intellectual property, receiving accolades from respected global publications and annual rankings such as WTR 1000, Legal 500, and IAM Patent 1000. These honours reflect our ongoing dedication, professional expertise, and the trust clients place in us for high-quality IP services across multiple jurisdictions.
WTR 1000 – Trademark Professionals 2025
Patent Law Magazine – In the top 10 IP Law Firms
Legal 500 – EMEA 2024 Intellectual property tier 1
The Lawyers Global – 2024 Recommended & Awarded Law Firms in Central Asia and Eastern Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of intellectual property can be protected in Estonia?Estonia protects patents and utility models, trademarks and geographical indications, industrial designs, copyright and related rights, as well as plant varieties and other subject‑specific IP rights under its national statutes and the EU framework.
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What are the official fees for IP registration in Estonia?Fees vary by IP type, number of classes, and procedural stage. Official schedules are published by the Estonian Patent Office. For a detailed calculation of the registration costs for your specific intellectual property, contact our specialists.
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Do foreign applicants need a local patent attorney to file IP in Estonia?Yes. Non-resident applicants must appoint a local representative for patents, trademarks, or industrial designs filed before the Estonian Patent Office.
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Is it possible to enter the national phase of a PCT application in Estonia?Yes. Entry is possible within 31 months from the priority date, with translation and local representation required.
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Are copyright and related rights protected automatically in Estonia?Copyright and related rights are protected automatically under Estonian law as soon as qualifying works exist in a tangible form, without any formal registration requirement. However, evidence‑oriented procedures (e.g., deposit of works or unofficial registration) may be used to facilitate proof of ownership and creation date in enforcement or disputes.
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Is it mandatory to use a registered trademark in Estonia?No, Estonian law does not require immediate use of a trademark as a condition for obtaining or renewing registration. However, if a registered mark is not used commercially in Estonia for five consecutive years after registration, it may be subject to cancellation for non‑use upon request of an interested party.
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Can customs authorities enforce IP rights at the border in Estonia?Yes. As an EU Member State, Estonia applies EU Regulation (EU) No 608/2013, allowing customs authorities to suspend suspected goods likely to infringe registered IP rights (such as trademarks, designs, copyrights, patents, and geographical indications) at the border.
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Does a European patent provide protection in Estonia?Yes. A European patent can provide protection in Estonia once it is validated before the Estonian Patent Office, which requires payment of the national fee, submitting the required documents (including an Estonian‑language translation), and meeting other formalities under national law and the validation agreement.
