Solicitor for Intellectual Property Law in Siggiewi

I’ve developed a physical product with what I believe is a genuinely distinctive visual design, separate from its brand name or any technical function. I understand trademarks protect brand names and logos, but I want to know what actually protects the distinctive shape and appearance of the product itself.

I sell an accessory product in Malta that is specifically designed to be compatible with a well-known, trademarked brand of device, and I want to clearly communicate this compatibility to customers by referencing that brand name on my packaging, along the lines of ‘compatible with’ the trademarked product. Is this kind of reference to another company’s trademark actually permitted?

I’ve developed what I believe is an innovative new business method for how I structure and deliver a particular type of service. I’m wondering whether this kind of business method, rather than a physical invention, is actually something I could protect through a patent in Malta.

I’ve registered my company name with the Malta Business Registry, and I also have a distinct logo design that I use for branding. I’m wondering whether registering the company name itself gives me any protection over the logo too, or whether these are treated as entirely separate matters requiring separate protection.

I filed a trademark application in Malta and I’ve just been notified that another company has formally opposed my registration, claiming it conflicts with their own existing trademark. I want to understand what this opposition process actually involves and what my options are for responding.

I run a business in Malta and I’m considering creating advertising that directly compares my product to a well-known competitor’s product by name, to highlight what I believe are genuine advantages of mine. Is referencing a competitor’s registered trademark in my own advertising like this actually legal?

A former employee of my company in Malta was involved in developing some proprietary processes and technical documentation as part of their role, and they’ve now left to join a direct competitor. I’m concerned they might use or share what they developed while working for me. What are my rights here?

I’m considering applying for a patent in Malta for a genuine technical invention I’ve developed. I want to understand how long the resulting protection would actually last, and whether I can simply keep renewing it indefinitely to maintain protection long-term.