Egyéb - ABT Legal

Trademark with financial support? Yes, it is possible, as the EUIPO SME Fund application for 2026 has opened.

EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) announces a call every year to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property.

SMEs can apply for a voucher, which allows them to recover part of the fees paid for the registration of trademarks, designs, patents, and community plant varieties. The reimbursed amount ranges from 50% to 75%, with a maximum limit between EUR 700 and EUR 2,500. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the available budget is exhausted.

Among the supported procedures, trademark registration is the most applied form.

Why is it worth registering a trademark in Hungary, across the European Union, or even worldwide?

The answer – it is worth protecting the logo, trade name, or even the slogan used by the company. This way, you can avoid that someone else, even a competitor, registers it and starts using it.

Filing a trademark application is not too complicated and not too costly. Legal representation is not mandatory, but we are happy to assist with the application, pre-application trademark search, filing the application for the voucher with the EUIPO, selecting the classes of goods or services related to the trademark application, and throughout the entire trademark application process.

Workplace accidents and travel accidents from the employer’s point of view

Handling workplace accidents is one of the most important legal and occupational safety obligations of employers. Hungarian regulations define in detail when an event qualifies as an occupational accident, what procedure must be followed, and what liability risks a company can expect. In addition to classic workplace accidents, the employer's liability may also extend to travel accidents that occur while commuting to work.

What qualifies as an accident at work?

An accident at work is any injury or damage to the health of an employee that occurs in connection with, at a place or at the time of work. This includes accidents at the site, business trips, tasks performed on the employer's orders, and all activities that fall within the scope of work.

Road accident – when is it considered an accident at work?

An accident that occurs while commuting to work and returning home is basically a travel accident, which qualifies as an occupational accident only under certain conditions. Criteria for qualification:

- the accident occurred on the usual route,
- the employee was on his way to or from the workplace directly,
- there were no unjustified detours or private interruptions.

A travel accident can be considered a work accident, for example, if the deviation from the route was due to the employer’s instruction or if the employee was driving a company vehicle.

Employer's obligations in the event of an accident at work

The employer has immediate and administrative obligations:

- providing first aid and eliminating the source of danger,
- investigation of the accident,
- preparation of minutes,
- immediate notification to the authorities in the event of a serious accident,
- Preservation of documentation.

The purpose of the investigation is to investigate the circumstances and prevent future accidents.

Liability and Indemnification

The employer is objectively responsible for ensuring the conditions for safe work. Exemption is only possible in exceptional cases, for example, if the accident was caused solely by the employee's intentional or grossly negligent conduct, or if the accident can be traced back to an unavoidable external cause.

Prevention and OHS compliance

The employer is obliged to:

- maintain an up-to-date risk assessment,
- provide occupational safety training,
- issuing and inspecting protective equipment,
- ensure that work equipment is in a safe condition.

An appropriate occupational safety system and documentation is not only a legal obligation, but also the basis for reducing liability risks.

International presence, local solutions

In recent days, several members of ABTLegal had the opportunity to attend two prestigious international legal conferences – one held in Luxembourg, the other in Barcelona. These events provided a valuable platform not only for professional development but also for meeting our international legal professional partners in person, building new connections, and exchanging experiences.

ABTLegal is a proud member of several international legal networks, bringing together respected law firms from over 60 countries worldwide.

We take pride in this strong international network, which allows us to provide our clients with cross-border legal support across a wide range of practice areas – whether it's corporate law, commercial transactions, dispute resolution, or navigating complex local regulations.

Through these global partnerships, our clients benefit not just from one law firm, but from an entire international legal community.

AI in Hungary: Legal Considerations for Businesses

AI in Hungary: Legal Considerations for Businesses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the business landscape in Hungary and across Europe. From customer service automation to predictive analytics, AI offers significant opportunities — but also introduces complex legal challenges that companies must address proactively.

Key Regulations Affecting Hungarian Businesses

1. EU AI Act Implementation

Hungary is set to enforce the EU AI Act, which introduces a risk-based framework categorizing AI systems into:

- - - Unacceptable Risk: Prohibited AI practices, such as systems that manipulate human behaviour or exploit vulnerabilities.
    - High Risk: AI applications in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and employment that require stringent compliance measures.
    - Limited or Minimal Risk: Lower-risk AI systems with fewer regulatory obligations.

From February 2, 2025, businesses must ensure AI literacy among their staff, assessing current knowledge levels and implementing tailored training programs. Additionally, transparency in AI usage, especially in consumer-facing services, is mandated.

2. Cybersecurity Act (Effective January 2025)

The new Cybersecurity Act consolidates Hungary's cybersecurity legislation, aligning with the EU's NIS2 Directive. It imposes obligations on organizations to classify information systems, conduct risk assessments, and implement security measures. Non-compliance may result in significant fines, potentially up to 2% of a company's global annual turnover.

3. Data Protection and Privacy

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Hungary's Act CXII of 2011, businesses must ensure transparency in AI systems, especially regarding data sources and processing methods. The National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (NAIH) enforces these regulations, emphasizing the need for informed consent and accountability in data handling.

Legal Areas in focus

1. Data Protection & GDPR

Any AI system processing personal data must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes strict rules on profiling, automated decision-making, and data subject rights — all of which can carry significant financial and reputational risks if mishandled.

2. Contracting and Liability

At present, Hungary lacks dedicated AI liability laws. This creates uncertainty around who is accountable when AI causes harm or makes an error. Businesses should ensure contracts with AI vendors clearly define liability, responsibilities, and compliance measures.

3. IP and Innovation

As companies develop proprietary AI solutions, issues around intellectual property (IP) become critical. Protecting algorithms, data models, and outputs — while respecting third-party rights — should be a key part of any AI deployment strategy.

4. Ethical and Reputational Risk

Legal compliance alone is no longer enough. Increasingly, businesses are expected to ensure their AI systems operate fairly and without bias. Ethical use of AI can enhance brand reputation and build trust with clients, regulators, and the public.

Businesses should stay informed about evolving AI regulations — both at the EU level and locally. Conducting legal risk assessments, updating compliance policies, and reviewing AI-related contracts are essential steps for mitigating exposure.