Intellectual Property Protection in Panama | Trademarks & Patents

Intellectual property protection in Panama is essential to guarantee that your ideas, products, and brands are legally secured. The country provides a solid legal framework for the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and copyrights, helping entrepreneurs and businesses protect their intangible assets effectively.

What Is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) protects creations of the mind, including:

• Trademarks: Names, logos, slogans, or symbols identifying your products or services.

• Patents: Novel inventions and processes with industrial application.

• Copyrights: Literary, musical, artistic works, and software.

• Industrial Designs: The aesthetic appearance of products such as shapes, colors, or patterns.

Trademark Registration in Panama

Registering a trademark in Panama grants exclusive rights of use within the country and allows you to take legal action against unauthorized uses. The process includes:

1. Prior search: Verify that the trademark is not already registered.

2. Application filing: Submit the name, logo, product/service class, and required documents.

3. Formal and substantive examination: Review by the National Industrial Property Authority.

4. Publication and opposition: Third parties may object if they believe their rights are affected.

5. Registration and certificate: Valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.

Patents and Industrial Designs

Patents protect novel inventions with practical application.

Requirements and benefits:

• Must be new, inventive, and industrially applicable.

• Protection lasts 20 years for inventions and 10 years for utility models.

• Industrial designs receive protection for up to 15 years.

Copyrights in Panama

Copyrights safeguard original works in literature, music, visual arts, and software.
While protection arises upon creation, registration at the Intellectual Property Registry provides strong legal evidence of authorship in case of disputes.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Intellectual Property in Panama

1. Register your IP early to ensure legal security.

2. Monitor the market for possible infringements.

3. Use confidentiality agreements before sharing ideas with third parties.

4. Seek specialized legal advice for registrations and protection strategies.

Benefits of Intellectual Property Protection

• Exclusive rights to use and exploit your creations.

• Ability to license, sell, or franchise your IP.

• Protection against unfair competition.

• Legal certainty and peace of mind for your business.

At Cajigas & Co., we provide comprehensive legal services for intellectual property protection in Panama — from trademark and patent registration to strategic protection and litigation.

📩 Contact us today to secure your creations and help your business grow with confidence.