Frequently Asked Questions

WHICH IS A MARK?

A trademark is a distinctive sign which identifies certain goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. It dates back to ancient times, when craftsmen reproduced their signatures, or "marks" on their artistic or utilitarian products. Over the years these marks evolved into today's system of trademark registration and protection. Registration helps consumers identify and purchase a product or service because its nature and quality, indicated by its unique trademark, meets their needs

WHAT CAN BE REGISTERED AS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY?

A trademark may consist of words, designs, letters, numerals or packaging, objects, emblems (not domestic) or figurative elements, three-dimensional, etc..

There are also sound marks (sound or melody). You can register even scent marks: a certain fragrance can be protected as a trademark.

WHAT CAN'T BE REGISTERED AS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY?

Not be registered as trademarks signs:

• that are similar to the flags or symbols.
• lacking in distinguishable characteristics.
• consisting exclusively in normal forms of the products or their packaging, or in forms or characteristics dictated by the nature or function of the product or service in question;
• consist exclusively of shapes or other elements that give a functional or technical advantage to the product or service to which they apply;
• consisting exclusively of a sign or indication which may serve in business to describe the quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, the time of production or other data or information characteristics of the products or services

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO REQUEST A trademark registration or sign?

A search of antecedents, with the following documentation:

• Letter requesting antecedentesn search:
• Search Form distinctive sign background
• Receipt bank deposit Union Bank Account (SENAPI, Account Number: 1-4668220).

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER A trademark or distinctive sign?

To apply for registration of distinctive signs, must present the following documentation:

1. Registration Form Distinctive Signs (PI-100) appropriately completed and signed (3 copies of page 1 signed by the applicant, leaving the back and blank pages 3 through 6 only a copy in front and back).
   
   In case of the request be a mixed mark the figurative sign, you must paste the image into the space reserved for the sign in jpg format 4x4 cm. Download the forms from the website of the institution www.senapi.gob.bo
   
   
2. Necessary powers, original or certified photocopy.
   
   If applicable, certificate of registration in the country of origin issued by the granting authority.
   
   
3. A receipt for payment of the prescribed fee:
   
   Payment on account of Union Bank's fiscal SENAPI account number: 1-4668220
   
   
   
   
   
   Payment to the Official Gazette Union Bank of Bolivia account number: 1 -293633
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Letter or memorial (with or without a signature of lawyer) to the Director Industrial Property, trademark requesting the product or service.
   All documentation must be submitted in a Yellow Folder with the brand label to register, class or NICE International and the applicant's name, in the same order and duly numbered (each sheet with serial number).
   

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?

The copyright is a branch of intellectual property which refers to the set of rules governing the rights granted by law to creators of a work of art, be it music, literature, film or computer.

HOW IT WORKS ON THE THEME SENAPI COPYRIGHT?

It is the one institution in Bolivia where the author can register their works and obtain an administrative resolution which attesting exclusive authorship and originality of the work subsequent protection.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE REGISTRATION OF A WORK?

• The Register of Copyrights protect moral and materially to the work and the author of the same
• Protects and to identify the authors of a person to society
• SENAPI acts as mediator between parties in case of presumed violation or infringement of authorial rights.

Registration Requirements Applications Forms