Trademark Registration in Panama

Registering your trademark in Panama is essential for protecting your commercial identity. A trademark registration grants exclusive rights, prevents competitors from using similar signs, and strengthens your brand’s legal position as you grow locally and internationally.

In Panama, trademark rights are established through use, meaning that the person or company that first—and continuously—uses a trademark in the country will have preferential rights over it. However, to effectively prevent others from using or attempting to register your mark, it is strongly recommended to file for registration. A registered trademark benefits from a presumption of ownership, making it far easier to enforce your rights in cases of infringement or disputes.

Trademark applications in Panama must be filed with the General Directorate of the Industrial Property Registry DIGERPI.

If you register a combined trademark (word + logo), your exclusive rights apply only to the exact configuration that was filed and registered. If you intend to use the word element or the design element separately, it is advisable to file additional trademark applications to protect each component independently.

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

• Scanned copy of a signed Power of Attorney. No notarization or legalization required.

If the trademark owner is an individual, a scanned copy of their passport or government-issued ID is also 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 trademark registration process in Panama takes around 10 months for straightforward cases, based on current processing times.

This is an estimated timeframe and may vary considerably depending on objections, oppositions, or other procedural issues.

Throughout the process, your dedicated consultant will monitor the status of your application and keep you informed, so you never have to worry about deadlines or follow-ups.

A trademark registered in Panama is valid for 10 years from the application date. It can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods. Renewal may be filed up to one (1) year before expiration, and there is a six (6) month grace period after the expiration date during which late renewal is still possible, subject to a surcharge. If the trademark is not used for five (5) consecutive years, it may become vulnerable to cancellation actions for non-use.

Once your trademark is approved, you must renew it periodically to keep your rights active. To simplify renewals and avoid missing deadlines, you can rely on our Trademark Renewal Service in Panama, and let our team handle the dates and formalities for you.

Yes. In Panama, third parties may file opposition actions against a trademark application within two (2) months from the date it is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin.

The likelihood of success will depend on the specific facts and evidence of each case, but if an opposition is filed against your application, or if you wish to oppose someone else’s, we can help you assess your options and define a strategy.

In Panama, use is not required to obtain registration. However, if the trademark remains unused for five (5) consecutive years, it becomes vulnerable to cancellation actions based on non-use.

Continuous, genuine use helps ensure your rights remain enforceable. If Panama requires proof of use or additional documentation at any point, iGERENT will guide you through the process and help you prepare all necessary evidence.

Panama recognizes three-dimensional (3D) trademarks through the General Directorate of Industrial Property (DIGERPI). To file a 3D mark, applicants must provide a clear graphical representation of the shape from different angles and ensure that the form is distinctive and not purely functional.

Panama operates under a first-to-file system, so early filing is important, and as a Madrid Protocol member, international applications can also be extended to Panama via DIGERPI’s official website.

If you’re considering filing a 3D trademark in Panama, feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment so we can review your case and confirm the best filing strategy.