Trademark Registration in Bolivia

In Bolivia, trademark rights arise only through registration – prior use of a mark in the country does not grant any enforceable rights. If your trademark is not registered, you cannot effectively prevent others from using or registering an identical or similar sign for related goods or services.

Trademark applications in Bolivia are filed before the **National Service of Intellectual Property – SENAPI.
If you file a combined mark (word + logo), your exclusive rights will be limited to that exact configuration. If you plan to use the word element and the logo independently, it is advisable to file separate applications for each element to ensure broader protection.

Registering your mark gives you a clear legal title, facilitates enforcement against infringers and allows you to oppose later conflicting applications.

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

• Original Power of Attorney, signed, notarized, and legalized by Apostille or before the Consulate of Bolivia.
• 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 time frame to obtain a trademark registration in Bolivia is about 6 months.

This is an estimated duration for straightforward cases based on current processing times. If the application faces objections or oppositions, the process may take longer.

Once your trademark is successfully registered in Bolivia:

• It is protected for 10 years, counted from the date of registration.
• It can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
• A renewal request must be filed within the 6 months preceding the expiry date.
• If the registration lapses, there is a 6-month grace period after expiration during which late renewal is still possible, subject to additional fees.

A registered mark that is not used for more than three (3) consecutive years becomes vulnerable to cancellation actions. Because Bolivia is a member of the Andean Pact – CAN, use of the mark in any other member country – Colombia, Ecuador or Peru – can help defend against non-use cancellation.

Yes. If a third party applies for a trademark that includes a main or distinctive part of your registered mark for similar goods or services, you may oppose the application based on likelihood of confusion.

Opposition actions must be filed within thirty (30) administrative days from the date the conflicting application is published for registration in the official gazette. The actual calendar period is therefore slightly longer than 30 calendar days. The probability of success will always depend on the specific facts and evidence of each case.

Yes. Although use is not required to obtain registration, it is required to maintain it.

If a registered trademark is not used for a consecutive period of three (3) years, third parties may file cancellation actions based on non-use.

Because Bolivia is part of the Andean Community (CAN), actual use of the mark in any of the other member countries – Colombia, Ecuador or Peru – can be invoked to prove use and avoid cancellation.