How to file a Trademark in Panama?

What is a trademark in Panama?

A trademark in Panama is a sign that serves to identify products or services in the market. A trademark in Panama includes business logos and trade names. Registered Panama trade names and trademarks can be licensed to third parties.

There are also some restrictions on what can be considered applicable. You can get in touch with us and we can help you with the restrictions and we can proceed with a search free of charge.

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How to file a trademark in Panama?

To file a trademark in Panama can be done on-line, by post or personally; the form must must contain at least the following:

• Documents required:
  A. Complete name and address of the applicant(s);
  B. Particulars of a mark
  C. Class/es in which the trademark application is to be filed
  D. Photo file of the trademark, detailed and accurate labeling of the product or service to be trademarked. 

• Power of Attorney: signed by the applicant or an authorized officer of the applicant company.

• Sworn translation of documents into Spanish: our in-house translators can assist you.

Check out how to file a patent in Panama.

How is the process of filing a Trademark in Panama?

• Previous Search: Applicants must verify that their distinctive sign is available to follow the application process.   You can get in touch with us and we can help you with the restrictions and we can proceed with a search free of charge. Click here to initiate the search
• Submission of Application: Once the trademark application is filled and sent out, the DIGERPI will review for any errors and missing information to be completed. Registering a trademark in Panama grants the holder the exclusive right of use in the market and prevents third parties from using it without their authorization. 
• Publication: After the application and required documents are reviewed and approved, it is then published in the Official Gazette. The application will be published in this Bulletin for 60 days, during which oppositions can be made against it. 
• Formal examination, during which the examiner determines whether the application fulfills formal requirements, such as the name of the applicant, nationality, address, and correct goods or services classification. Most official actions issued during the formal examination relate to the classification of goods or services; and substantive examination, during which the examiner determines whether the mark applied for has already been registered by another party and whether the mark complies with the Panamanian trademark law.

Extra Information regarding Trademarks in Panama

Registration

The registration certificate grants the owner the exclusive right to use such mark for a 10 year period, beginning from the filing date. Trademarks in Panama may be renewed for a further period of ten (10) years. There is no limit to how many times a trademark may be renewed. A trademark in Panama may be renewed up to one 1 year prior to the date of expiration. If a trademark is not renewed before its date of expiration a grace period of six 6 months is granted. 

Duration of the procedure:

The processing time from the first filing to registration is approximately 12 months in the case of a smooth registration procedure.

Opposition and Appeal: 

During the publication stage it is possible to make objections the opposition period is 30 labor days from publication date of the application. The PTO may grant or deny registration of a new trademark.