Legal Articles

A contract is a written agreement made between the parties which states the terms of their legal relationship. Every contract will contain different terms and conditions concerning the bargain it embodies. A dispute will occur when any of the terms and conditions are breached by either party, when there is disagreement as to interpretation of the written agreement or in the event that the...

Litigation refers to the dispute resolution process through the courts. Having been a British colony until 1960, the Cypriot legal system and rules relating to litigation are primarily based on the English legal system. The courts are divided into six types: District Courts (civil actions); Assize Courts (criminal cases); Family Courts; Rent Control Tribunals; Industrial Dispute Tribunals and...

Arbitration is a consensual legal technique for resolution of disputes without the necessity to refer the matter to court. The parties to a dispute voluntarily refer the matter to an impartial third person (the arbitrator) who will be empowered by the parties to make a decision based on the evidence and the arguments which are presented to him. Once made, the arbitration award will be binding...

Cyprus is a major ship management centre and its flag holds an envious reputation worldwide. The Cypriot Register now ranks 10th in size internationally and represents the third largest fleet in the EU. Moreover, the Register is growing, with shipping entrepreneurs attracted to the host of benefits offered by registration under the Cyprus flag and the active promotion of ship management...

Every kind of commercial contract will have its own individually negotiated and agreed terms (for example what is to be supplied; where; how; when; the price for supply; quality etc) all of which may be determined by the parties involved and unique to the particular agreement at hand. However, other terms and considerations will have a more general and universal application and will need to be...

Activities of all investment firms in Cyprus are governed by CySEC, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. CySEC is responsible for authorising investment firms to undertake investment and ancillary services and governs ongoing transactions and compliance with the various applicable regulations. Investment firms may consider undertaking their activities abroad through establishment of...

In the Republic of Cyprus (in accordance with EU law) only certain persons and companies are permitted to undertake investment services and activities (for a full list of such regulated activities please refer to the end of this article) and such entities are tightly regulated in order to ensure high standards and full consumer protection. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission...

There are three primary established business media in Cyprus: companies; partnerships and sole traders. Sole traders tend to represent smaller operational concerns and therefore, as a business takes off, many promoters of the business will primarily be concerned with considering the characteristics and applicable benefits of a company or a partnership. Forms of Entity Companies: Companies are...

Cyprus undoubtedly offers a considerably advantageous base for any business. Offering a highly beneficial taxation system (which boasts one of the lowest rates of tax on corporate profits in Europe at 10%; the exemption from corporate tax of interest income, dividend income and profits from disposal of securities and a host of double taxation treaties upon which to rely) and located at a...

In Cyprus the registration of trademarks with the Registrar of Companies is governed by the Cyprus Trade Mark Law, CAP 268 and the Trade Mark Rules 1951 as amended. Cyprus law provides for the recordal of a license with the Registrar of Companies however its provisions are not mandatory. A non-registered trade mark will be valid in Common Law. A licensed user can be registered in respect of...