WIPO-administered Treaties: 

Contracting Party of the Paris Convention: YES.

Contracting Party of the Madrid System: NO. 

Trade Mark Law in force: 

Industrial Property Law (Decree 12-99-E of 2000). 

Classification: 

Nice classification, 10th edition. 

Multiclass Applications: 

YES. 

Registrable trade marks: 

Words, names, pseudonyms, commercial slogans, shapes, portraits, letters, figures, monograms, labels, coats of arms, cotton prints, vignettes, fringes, lines, stripes, combinations and arrangements of colors.

Sound and smell trademarks are now accepted as a result of DR-CAFTA regulations. 

Formal filing requirements: 

  • Power of Attorney duly notarized and legalized within 30 days from the official request. Possible extension of time: only 15 days. Originals copies are required.
  • Certified copy of the priority application and its translation into Spanish within 30 days from the official request. Original copy is required.  

Examination: 

Absolute grounds for refusal: YES.

Relative grounds for refusal: YES. 

Opposition period: 

30 working days counted from the day of the last publication. 

Average time from filing to grant: 

Approximately 8-10 months, unless any obstacles were raised. 

Term of protection: 

10 years from the date of registration. 

Use requirements: 

YES. Cancellation can be requested if the trademark has not been used for 3 years, counting from the registration date. Partial cancellation is possible. A Rehabilitation Tax can be paid, which protects the mark against cancellation petitions from third parties. 

Renewal terms: 

1 year prior to the renewal date.

Grace period: 6 months. 

Link to patent and trademark National Office: 

https://www.ip.gob.hn/