In Uruguay the legal basis is the trademark Law Nº 17.011 of September 25th, 1998. Trademark protection is obtained by registration, under the “first-to-file”-System.

Trademark registration: Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed before the Trademark Office by a local agent. A non-legalized power of attorney is sufficient. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.

Trademark registration: Procedure

The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 18-20 months from first filing to registration. Before registration the trademark application is published in the Official Gazette (approx. 2 months after the date of the application). The opposition period is 1 month as of the publication of the application at the Official Gazette.

Trademark registration: Duration

A trademark registration in Uruguay is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.

Trademark registration: Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.