GIORGOS LANDAS LLC

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY? Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. IP gives creators exclusive rights over the use of their creations for a certain period, encouraging innovation and creativity. There are several types of intellectual property namely trademarks, copyright, patent and industrial design.

In recent years, the legal landscape in Cyprus has undergone transformative changes aimed at modernizing the judicial process and tackling inefficiencies that have plagued the resolution of civil disputes. Among the most significant reforms is the introduction of mandatory mediation for civil disputes involving claims of up to €10,000. This initiative is a cornerstone of broader efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, reduce the overwhelming backlog in Cypriot courts and encourage parties to resolve their differences amicably.

We are delighted to share that our expert team lawyers, Iro Petrou and Myria Pornari, have been featured in the esteemed Legal Business Dispute Yearbook 2024 published by Legal 500! Their insightful Q&A delves deep into the trends and sectors shaping the dynamic landscape of the Cyprus disputes market.

Cyprus is in the final stage of preparations to meet the technical and regulatory requirements for Schengen membership and becoming a member of the Schengen Zone, Europe’s free-travel area.  Cyprus is actively working towards this goal and is expected to join the Schengen Zone by end of 2025. This marks an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its European integration and strengthen its position within the EU.

Modernization of the Legislation and Revision of the Requirements for Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship based on years of residence in the Republic of Cyprus. The House of Representatives passed the Civil Registry Amended Law 149(I)/2023, which was published in the Official Government Gazette on December 19, 2023, with immediate effect, and amends the Civil Registry Laws of 2002 to 2021.

On the 12th of December 2023, the Law 132(I) of 2023 was published, amending, thus, the Sale of Immovable Property (Specific Performance) Law of 2011 (Law 81(I)/2011).  The new Law amends the provisions regarding the submission of a contract for the sale of a property to the Department of Lands and Surveys and regarding the specific performance of a contract of sale.

Intra-Group Mergers Mergers are generally regarded as means for companies to consolidate their businesses with the main purpose to position themselves more favorably against stronger competition. Others often use a merger to establish themselves as a dominant force on a national and supranational level. Intra-group mergers, on the other hand, provide a tool for groups of companies to make their structures and businesses more efficient, whether that be in terms of production, cost allocation or channeling of resources or even funding and financing. It is often a tool overlooked, however, under the right circumstances, it can be the best solution to a group’s restructuring of its assets and commercial activities.

We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement of the esteemed Managing Director of our law firm, Mr. Giorgos Landas, who has been appointed to the position of the President of the Real Estate Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association. (you can tag CBA in Lilkedin)