Andorra Trademark Registration

In Andorra, trademark registration is compulsory to obtain trademark rights. Trademarks must be registered with the **Office of Trademarks and Patents of the Principality of Andorra (OMPA).

The Principality of Andorra is not a member of the European Union, so **European Union Trademarks (EUTM) are not recognized in this jurisdiction. Spanish and French national trademarks do not provide protection in Andorra either, which is why a local Andorran registration is necessary.

If you register a combined trademark (including both word and figurative elements) in Andorra, the exclusive right to use the trademark is limited to the exact configuration in which it was filed and registered. If you wish to use the word element separately from the logo (or vice versa), it is recommended to file another trademark including only the elements you want to use and protect separately.

Additionally, owning a registered trademark in Andorra is a prerequisite if you want to register a .ad domain name, as the domain must match the registered trademark exactly and the mark must be in class 42.

To register a trademark in Andorra, you will generally need:

• Scanned copy of a signed Power of Attorney. No notarization or legalization required.
• The name or logo you want to register
• The applicant’s details

Your iGERENT consultant will confirm the exact requirements for your case and guide you through each step.

The average application process takes around 1 month. This is an estimated timeframe for straightforward cases, based on current processing times, and it may vary considerably.

Once the trademark application has been examined to verify that it meets the registration requirements (including absolute grounds and prior filed or registered trademarks), the registration is published in the Gaseta de Marques (Trademarks Gazette).

In Andorra, registered trademarks are valid for 10 years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely for successive periods of ten (10) years. Renewal can be requested:

• As early as six (6) months before the expiration date, or
• During the six (6) months following the expiration date, provided a late renewal fee is paid.

In Andorra, no oppositions can be filed by third parties against trademark applications during the registration process.

However, if a third party eventually intends to register or use a trademark for similar goods or services that includes a primary or distinct part of your trademark, you have the right to take legal actions against the application based on confusing similarity. The probabilities of success for such actions will vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

It is not necessary for a trademark to be in use in Andorra in order for it to register.

However, if the trademark is not used in Andorra for a period of five consecutive years, it will become vulnerable to cancellation actions for non-use brought by third parties.