Trademark Registration in Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, trademarks must be registered in order to obtain protection and recognized ownership. Use alone does not grant rights over a trademark in this jurisdiction.

To register a trademark in Nicaragua, the application must be filed with the Intellectual Property Registry of Nicaragua MIFIC.

If you register a combined trademark (including both word and figurative elements), the exclusive right is limited to using the mark in the exact configuration in which it was filed and registered. If you wish to use only the word element or only the figurative element separately, it is advisable to file an additional trademark covering only the elements you want to use and protect independently.

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

• Original Power of Attorney, signed, notarized, and legalized by Apostille or before the Consulate of Nicaragua.
• 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 9 months.

This is an estimated processing time for straightforward cases based on current timeframes for applications and may vary considerably.

A registered trademark in Nicaragua is valid for 10 years from the date of registration.

Trademarks may be renewed for additional ten (10) year periods, with no limit on the number of renewals. A trademark may be renewed:

• Up to one year before its expiration date, and
• Up to six (6) months after its expiration date, upon payment of extra fees (surcharge for late renewal).

Yes. If a third party attempts to register or use a trademark for similar goods or services that includes a primary or distinctive part of your trademark, you may oppose the application based on confusing similarity.

Opposition actions must be filed within 30 business days from the date on which details of the trademark application are published in the Official Gazette. The chances of success will depend on the circumstances of each case.

Use of a trademark is not required to register it in Nicaragua.

However, once registered, if the trademark is not used for a period longer than three (3) years, third parties may file cancellation actions based on lack of use. In order to satisfy use requirements in case of a cancellation action, the trademark must be used on a commercial scale.