Bolivia
Trademark Registration in Bolivia - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Bolivia, a landlocked country located in the heart of South America, is one of the continent’s most culturally rich and resource-abundant nations, with a population of approximately 12 million. Bordering Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, Bolivia serves as a strategic gateway for trade within the Andean region, making it an increasingly important jurisdiction for brand owners seeking to protect their intellectual property.
Introduction
Bolivia's legal system is rooted in civil law, reflecting its Spanish colonial heritage and subsequent Andean legal integration. Spanish is the official language of government, commerce, and the judiciary, and all trademark proceedings are conducted in Spanish.
The country's intellectual property framework has been significantly modernised through its membership in the Andean Community of Nations (CAN). Bolivia's trademark laws are governed by Decision 486 of the Andean Community Commission, which establishes a common industrial property regime for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This supranational legal framework is supplemented by Bolivia's national implementing legislation, primarily the Trade Mark Act of 1918. Trademark registration is essential for any business operating in or exporting to Bolivia
Why Trademark Registration is Important in Bolivia?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Bolivia.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI) and Bolivian courts.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Bolivia.
Market Positioning: Strengthens brand identity, builds consumer trust, and enhances competitive advantage in the Bolivian market.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Bolivia
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Bolivia
Filing
The application is submitted to SENAPI electronically or in person at SENAPI headquarters in La Paz, or at regional offices. Upon filing, the applicant receives a filing receipt with an application number and filing date. Single-class applications only.
Examination
SENAPI conducts a formal examination to verify whether the filing complies with technical requirements. Formal review occurs within approximately 15 days from filing. If a deficiency is found, the applicant is notified and has 60 days to correct the deficiency, or the application may be deemed abandoned.
Publication and Opposition
If the application passes formal examination, the trademark must be published three times at 10-day intervals in the Official Gazette (Gaceta Oficial de Bolivia) before registration can proceed. The opposition period in Bolivia runs from the date of first publication. If no opposition is filed within the applicable period, the application proceeds to substantive examination.
Examination
Substantive examination assesses the trademark under absolute grounds (distinctiveness, compliance with public order/morality) and relative grounds (conflicts with prior registered trademarks, well-known marks, or geographical indications). SENAPI applies Andean Community Decision 486, Articles 135 and 136, covering absolute and relative grounds in substantive review
Timeline
Total filing to registration is approximately 12 to 24 months. Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application, any oppositions filed, and administrative delays at SENAPI.
Validity & Renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of registration Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods. A renewal application may be filed within 6 months before the expiry date. A grace period of 6 months after expiry is available for late renewal, subject to payment of a surcharge. A trademark registration takes effect from the registration date.
Governing Law
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Bolivia is governed by:
• Andean Community Decision 486 of 2000 — the primary supranational legislation establishing the Common Industrial Property Regime for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This decision provides the comprehensive legal framework for trademark registration, opposition, cancellation, and enforcement within the Andean Community
• Trade Mark Act of 1918 — the national implementing legislation that provides complementary regulations to Decision 486, valid in all respects that do not counter the provisions of Decision 486.
• SENAPI Internal Regulations — implementing regulations that detail procedural requirements.
Competent Authority
Trademark applications are filed with the National Intellectual Property Service (Servicio Nacional de Propiedad Intelectual — SENAPI), which operates under the Ministry of Development and Plural Economy. SENAPI handles all aspects of trademark examination, registration, opposition, cancellation, and record maintenance. The office has its headquarters in La Paz and maintains regional offices across the country. Applications may be submitted electronically through the SIPI 2.0 system.
Trademark Services Available in Bolivia
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for conflicts.
Trademark Registration Services
Full filing and application management
Trademark Renewal Services
Easy renewals to maintain your Bolivia trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Bolivia trademarks to spot potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership changes in the Bolivia
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Bolivia
Documents for Filing
Power of Attorney
Must be duly notarised and legalised/apostilled in Spanish. The POA must be submitted within 60 working days from the official request
Applicant's Details
Specimen of the Mark
List of Goods/Services
Priority Document
| Service Description | Official Fee | Attorney Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark Search (Optional) | -- | -- | 0 |
| Registration (Filing to Registration) | -- | -- | 0 |
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
**Last updated on: March 17, 2026
Timeline
Total filing to registration is approximately 12 to 24 months. Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application, any oppositions filed, and administrative delays at SENAPI.
Validity & Renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of registration Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods. A renewal application may be filed within 6 months before the expiry date. A grace period of 6 months after expiry is available for late renewal, subject to payment of a surcharge.
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