Registering a trademark with the General Directorate of Intellectual Property (DIGEPIH) takes about 12–18 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 24 months.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 2 months from the publication of the application in La Gaceta (official gazette).
In Honduras, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, three-dimensional marks, sound marks, and olfactory marks, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in Honduras, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $200–400 for one class of goods/services, including registration and publication fees. Additional costs may include legal services or fees for extra classes.
Yes, use is mandatory. Non-use for 3 consecutive years after registration may lead to cancellation upon third-party request, as per Article 103 of the Industrial Property Law.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the registration date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
A registered trademark serves as a powerful asset, ensuring legal protection, enhancing brand reputation, and opening doors to new opportunities. Honduras, with its growing economy and strategic location in Central America, presents a promising market for domestic and foreign businesses alike. To operate legally and securely within Honduras, registering your trademark is essential.
Registering a trademark in Honduras provides numerous benefits that safeguard and enhance your business:
Protection Against Copying and Unfair Competition: Registering a trademark grants you exclusive rights to use your brand elements, shielding your business from imitators and unauthorized use.
Exclusive Rights: The registration confers ownership of the trademark, allowing you to take legal action against infringement.
Increasing Company and Brand Value: A registered trademark adds intangible value to your business, strengthening your market position.
Licensing and Franchising Opportunities: Owning a registered trademark facilitates licensing agreements and franchising, creating additional revenue streams.
Legal Advantage in Disputes: Having a registration mark provides strong legal evidence in trademark disputes, making enforcement easier.
Understanding the specific steps involved in Honduras’ trademark registration is crucial for a successful application:
Preliminary Trademark Name Search: Before applying, conducting a thorough trademark name search at the trade mark office search databases helps ensure your tm logo trademark is unique and does not conflict with existing marks.
Filing the Application: Submit the trademark application to the Honduran Industrial Property Registry, including:
Applicant’s details
Representation of the tm logo
List of goods and services associated with the trademark (classified according to international standards)
Priority documents, if applicable
Power of attorney if a representative files on your behalf
Formal Examination: The office reviews the application for completeness and compliance with formal requirements.
Substantive Examination: The trademark is examined for potential conflicts with registered marks and compliance with legal restrictions, including checking for restricted trademarks.
Publication for Opposition: If approved, the trademark registered logo is published in the official gazette to allow third parties a window to file oppositions.
Registration and Issuance of Certificate: If no oppositions arise or any oppositions are resolved in your favor, the trademark is registered, and a registration mark certificate is issued.
To register a trademark in Honduras, applicants must provide:
Completed application form
Clear image or description of the tm logo
Classification and list of goods/services
Priority claim documents, if any
Power of attorney, if applicable
The entire trademark registration process in Honduras typically takes between 8 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the application and any oppositions.
All registered marks are entered into the national trademark registry, which serves as an official database for trademark name searches and verification.
Navigating trademark registration in Honduras without expert guidance can be complicated:
Incorrect classification of goods or services
Incomplete or improper documentation
Failure to respond timely to office actions or oppositions
Risks of application rejection due to procedural errors
ProfitMark provides comprehensive support throughout the registration journey:
Conducting a preliminary trademark name search to ensure uniqueness
Preparing and submitting all necessary documents
Handling communications with the Industrial Property Registry
Monitoring the application status and deadlines
Offering legal assistance in cases of oppositions or disputes
Managing submissions without the need for the applicant’s physical presence
Our service guarantees transparent pricing and fixed timeframes, giving clients peace of mind.
Over 13 years of experience in trademark registration
Successful registrations in more than 30 countries worldwide
A team of international trademark experts
Personalized approach tailored to each client’s needs
Fully online service allowing remote processing
Quality assurance and reliable support
Do not delay in protecting your valuable brand. Registering a trademark in Honduras secures your rights and expands your business opportunities. With ProfitMark, the trademark registration process will be straightforward, clear, and reliable. Contact us today and safeguard the future of your business!