Intellectual Property Laws at Bolivia
Bolivia's Intellectual Property (IP) laws are structured to protect the rights of creators, inventors, and businesses in line with national regulations and international commitments. Bolivia is a member of several international treaties, but it also has its own legal frameworks, mostly administered by SENAPI — the Servicio Nacional de Propiedad Intelectual (National Intellectual Property Service).
Here’s a clear overview of Bolivia’s IP system:
📚 1. Copyright (Derechos de Autor)
What it protects: Literary, artistic, musical, and audiovisual works, including software and databases.
Automatic protection: Yes — no registration needed for legal protection.
Duration: Life of the author + 50 years after death (longer for some works).
Governing law: Law No. 1322 on Copyright (1992).
Registration: Optional but recommended — can be done at SENAPI to strengthen legal enforcement.
®️ 2. Trademarks (Marcas)
What it protects: Brand names, logos, slogans, sounds, colors, packaging — any signs distinguishing goods or services.
Registration required: Yes — through SENAPI.
Duration: 10 years from registration, renewable indefinitely.
Governing law: Decision 486 (Community Regime on Industrial Property under the Andean Community).
Types of marks: Includes trademarks, service marks, collective marks, and certification marks.
💡 3. Patents (Patentes de Invención)
What it protects: New inventions, processes, and technological improvements.
Registration required: Yes — through SENAPI.
Duration: 20 years from filing date.
Governing law: Decision 486 (Andean Community) + Bolivia’s national law.
Requirements: Novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
⚙️ 4. Utility Models (Modelos de Utilidad)
What it protects: Small or incremental innovations, devices, or tools.
Registration required: Yes — through SENAPI.
Duration: 10 years.
Governing law: Also under Decision 486.
🎨 5. Industrial Designs (Diseños Industriales)
What it protects: Ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product.
Registration required: Yes.
Duration: 10 years from the filing date.
Governing law: Decision 486 + national IP framework.
🧬 6. Geographical Indications & Appellations of Origin (Indicaciones Geográficas y Denominaciones de Origen)
What it protects: Products tied to a specific region or place due to their qualities or reputation (e.g., Quinoa Real, Singani).
Registration: Required through SENAPI.
Duration: Indefinite as long as the characteristics and standards are maintained.
🌱 7. Plant Varieties (Variedades Vegetales)
What it protects: New plant breeds with distinct, uniform, and stable characteristics.
Registration required: Yes — via the Servicio Nacional de Semillas (National Seed Service), not SENAPI.
Governing law: Bolivia is a member of the Andean Community and follows Decision 345 on the protection of new plant varieties.
🤐 8. Trade Secrets
What it protects: Confidential business information such as formulas, processes, methods, etc.
Registration: Not required — protection is granted if efforts are made to keep the information secret.
Governing law: Protected under Decision 486 and commercial law.
🏛️ Administration & Enforcement
SENAPI (Servicio Nacional de Propiedad Intelectual) handles:
Trademark registration
Patent and design applications
Copyright registration (optional)
Customs: Can act to prevent the import/export of counterfeit or pirated goods.
Courts: Handle infringement disputes and enforcement.
🌍 International Treaties & Organizations Bolivia Belongs To:
Andean Community (CAN) — common IP regime (Decision 486, 351, etc.)
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
Summary Chart:
| IP Type | Registration Required | Duration | Administered by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright | ❌ (optional) | Life + 50 years | SENAPI |
| Trademark | ✅ | 10 years (renewable) | SENAPI |
| Patent | ✅ | 20 years | SENAPI |
| Utility Model | ✅ | 10 years | SENAPI |
| Industrial Design | ✅ | 10 years | SENAPI |
| GI & Appellations | ✅ | Indefinite | SENAPI |
| Plant Varieties | ✅ | Varies (usually 20-25) | SENASAG |
| Trade Secrets | ❌ | As long as kept secret | N/A |
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