Nicaragua

Trademark registration Nicaragua - In Nicaragua the legal basis is the Trademark Law (Law 380), in force since July, 2001, its regulation and Law 580, Amendments to Trademark Law (380). Trademark protection is obtained by registration. Trademark protection is obtained by first use in Nicaragua, registration before Trademark Office is only declarative.

Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed before the Patent Office by a local agent. A power of attorney signed in the presence of a notary and authenticated by a consulate of Nicaragua is necessary. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.

Procedure

The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 10 months from first filing to registration. Before registration, the trademark application is published in the gazette. The opposition period is 2 months from publication of the trademark application.

Duration

A trademark registration in Nicaragua is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.

Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.

Extra

Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 3 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 3 years, it may be subject to cancellation.