Bolivia Trademark registration
Bolivia is a member of the Andean Pact. According to the Andean Pact Decision agreement, there are common rules in trademark law in all member states of the Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru). Legal basis is the Trademark Act of January 1918 and the Andean Pact Decision No. 486, in force since December 1st, 2000. Trademark protection is obtained by registration.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Servicio Nacional de Propiedad Intelectual (SENAPI) by a local agent. A notarised power of attorney authenticated by a Bolivian Consulate is necessary. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes a formal examination and an examination of distinctiveness. Search for prior trademarks can be done, although it is not a requirement for filing the trademark application. It takes approximately 6-8 months from filling to registration, in case no oppositions are presented. Prior examination of distinctiveness the trademark is published in the Bolvian official Gazette. Duly note, the opposition period is 30 labor days from publication date of the application. Oppositions are also possible by owners of trademarks in other member states of the Andean Pact.
Duration
A trademark registration in Bolivia is valid for 10 years from registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years. Duly note, protection and priority within Bolivia are obtained from application date.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in nationwide, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the Intelectual Property Office (SENAPI). Multiclass registration is not available in Bolivia.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used for a continuous period of 3 years in a member state of the Andean Pact, it becomes vulnerable to cancellation.