New Manual for Trademark Examination in the Andean Community

In a collaborative effort between the General Secretariat of the Andean Community (SGCAN) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the renewed Manual for trademark examination in the Andean countries was presented in 2023. This document aims to enhance the quality of trademark registration services in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, providing practical recommendations and guidelines for examiners, although its use is not mandatory.

The manual has emerged after two years of arduous work involving external consultants from Mexico and Colombia, along with representatives from the trademark offices of the Andean countries. Its intent is to offer guidelines that do not contradict existing legal provisions but rather harmonize examination criteria among the countries without limiting examiners' interpretation in complex situations.

This compilation addresses everything from trademark classification to the requirements for their registration, encompassing aspects related to non-traditional marks such as three-dimensional or sound marks. Furthermore, it aims to remain updated to reflect market changes and prevent it from becoming an obsolete document.

The manual was introduced as a tool that will strengthen the registration process, benefiting both examiners and users of the system, providing clarity in the criteria adopted by the trademark offices in the region. This advancement reflects the commitment of the Andean region to staying updated in the field of intellectual property, striving for continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of the services offered.

*Download the Manual for Trademark Examination in the following link: http://bit.ly/3P3YFI7