Trademark registration in Colombia
We handle the full proceeding before the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC, the Colombian trademark office): from the clearance search to defending the mark against oppositions and third parties.
Why register your trademark in Colombia
Registering a trademark in Colombia grants its owner the exclusive right to use it nationwide to identify goods or services against competitors. The application is filed with the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), the authority that administers the industrial property system under Andean Community Decision 486.
A registered trademark protects more than commercial identity: it is a valuable intangible asset that can be assigned and licensed, and it is the first line of defence against imitation, unfair competition and unauthorised use by third parties.
A standard proceeding takes 6 to 8 months where no opposition is filed, registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely, and protection is territorial: to cover other countries you file nationally in each jurisdiction or use the Madrid System, of which Colombia is a member.
How we support you
Trademark clearance search
We check the SIC databases to confirm the sign is available and that no identical or similar mark is registered in the same class, reducing the risk of opposition or refusal for likelihood of confusion.
Classification strategy
We define the Nice class or classes that genuinely cover your current operation and growth plans. Poor classification is one of the most common causes of refusal.
Filing before the SIC
We prepare the official PI01 form, exhibits and graphic representation, calculate the fee per class and file electronically through the SIPI system.
Oppositions and office actions
We respond to third-party oppositions published in the Industrial Property Gazette, answer formal and substantive office actions and argue the registrability of the sign.
Renewals and watch services
We track deadlines, file renewals within the statutory term and monitor third-party applications that could affect your portfolio.
Trademark enforcement
Infringement and unfair competition actions, coexistence agreements, licences, assignments and criminal actions for usurpation of industrial property rights.
The registration process before the SIC
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1. Clearance search
Before filing, availability is checked within the same Nice class to anticipate any likelihood-of-confusion risk.
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2. Nice classification
The class or classes covering the goods or services are identified precisely under the current International Nice Classification.
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3. Form and exhibits
PI01 form, applicant identification, power of attorney where applicable, high-resolution graphic representation and a precise description of goods or services.
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4. Official fee payment
The fee is paid per class applied for and is updated annually; electronic filing is considerably cheaper than filing in person.
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5. Electronic filing
The application is filed through SIPI (the industrial property information system) and a file number is issued to track the proceeding online.
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6. Formal examination and publication
The SIC reviews formal requirements and publishes the mark in the Industrial Property Gazette, opening a 30-business-day window for third-party oppositions.
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7. Substantive examination and decision
Once the opposition stage is over, the SIC assesses distinctiveness, lawfulness and availability and grants registration through a reasoned resolution.
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8. Certificate and term
Registration runs for 10 years from the granting resolution and is renewable indefinitely; renewal may be requested from 6 months before to 6 months after expiry.
Our Clients
Frequently asked questions
How long does trademark registration take in Colombia?
On average 6 to 8 months from filing to grant, provided no oppositions or office actions arise. With an opposition or corrections the proceeding can extend to 12–18 months.
Can I file the trademark myself or do I need a lawyer?
Colombian individuals are not legally required to appoint a lawyer. However, structuring the Nice classification, handling oppositions and defending the mark against technical office actions is where specialised intellectual property advice significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
Which signs cannot be registered as a trademark?
Generic or descriptive signs, signs contrary to morality or public order, signs that mislead consumers, and signs identical or confusingly similar to well-known marks or to marks already registered in the same class cannot be registered.
Does Colombian registration protect my trademark abroad?
No. Trademark rights are territorial. For protection abroad you must register in each jurisdiction or use the Madrid System, of which Colombia is a member, allowing protection to be sought in several countries through a single application.
What if someone is using my unregistered trademark?
Without registration protection is limited. With registration you can bring infringement and unfair competition actions, and even criminal actions before the Attorney General's Office for usurpation of industrial property rights.
Ready to protect your trademark?
AZC Legal's intellectual property team handles the entire proceeding before the SIC: clearance searches, filing, responses to oppositions and renewals.
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