Why is it important to register a trademark?

Why is it important to register a trademark?

Currently, the market is saturated with companies, products, and services. Getting the attention of potential clients can be difficult. This is where trademark registration comes into play.

A trademark is a set of distinctive signs (figures, colors, typography, and even smells and textures) that represent a company. All this is based on the company's value proposition: how it looks, how it behaves, what its values are, and how it differentiates itself from the competition. Once these concepts are clear, a brand can be designed to reflect them.

A strong trademark is a valuable intangible asset that allows:

1. Differentiation from the competition.
2. Generating public recall.
3. Becoming a sector leader.
4. Possibility of global expansion.

You may be interested in: Trademark Registration Lawyers

Unfortunately, some people imitate established brands, causing confusion among customers and losses for companies.

Trademark registration protects the brand, granting exclusive rights over it. Only the registrant can use it and obtain its benefits, preventing third parties from using it without permission. To understand the legal protection in more depth, you can read about the Laws Protecting Intellectual Property in Colombia.

Trademark Registration before the SIC

As part of industrial property, trademarks are registered with the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for 10 years, renewable indefinitely. This registration is only valid in Colombia. To protect the trademark internationally, registration must be made with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This registration protects the trademark in the WIPO member countries.

How to register a trademark?

This process applies to registering your trademark in Colombia. If you want a detailed guide, consult our Complete Guide on How to Register a Trademark in Colombia Step by Step.

Steps for Registration:

1. Request a trademark background search to know the trademarks already registered in the sector and avoid conflicts.
2. Choose the trademark: letters, sounds, colors, images, and shapes.
3. Classify the products or services according to the Nice Classification and describe each one.
4. Make the official fee payment; to find out the current value, you can consult How much does a trademark registration cost in Colombia?. This value is assigned annually by the SIC.
5. Fill out the corresponding form; this form can be requested at the SIC office or through its website.
6. Submit the application with all the documents mentioned above and additionally attach:
   • Receipt of payment of official fees.
   • Trademark art or logo.

For more general information about the process, we recommend reading What you need to know about Trademark Registration in Colombia?.

This process can be carried out at the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio office or online. If you need help registering your trademark, at Servicio Legal we can advise you on the procedures and required documents. Contact us through our website.