In Trinidad and Tobago, exclusive rights to a trademark are granted only through registration, since it is a “first-to-file” jurisdiction. This means that the first person to file an application will generally have priority, even over someone who used the mark earlier. In exceptional cases, a well-known trademark may be protected even if it has not yet been filed, but this is the exception, not the rule.
Trademark applications must be filed with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago IPO.
It is not necessary for the trademark to be in use before filing the application in order for it to be registered.
If you register a combined trademark (including both word elements and figurative elements) in Trinidad and Tobago, the exclusive right to use the mark is limited to the exact configuration in which it was filed and registered. If you want to use the word element separately from the logo (or vice versa), it is recommended to file another application that covers only the word or only the figurative elements you wish to use and protect separately.
If you would like the figurative or design elements of your trademark to be considered when assessing your mark for registration in Trinidad and Tobago (Trademark Search Report), you should contact us directly so we can determine if this service can be offered in this jurisdiction. In such cases, service prices and estimated delivery times may vary.