Intellectual Property Laws at Chile
Chile has established a comprehensive and modern intellectual property (IP) framework, aligning with international standards to foster innovation and creativity.
🇨🇱 Key IP Legislation in Chile
Law No. 19.039 on Industrial Property (2006)
This consolidated law governs patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, geographical indications, layout designs of integrated circuits, undisclosed information (trade secrets), plant variety protection, and traditional knowledge. It was last amended by Law No. 21.355 in 2021.
Law No. 17.336 on Intellectual Property (1970)
This law, as amended by Law No. 19.912, addresses copyright and related rights, including provisions for the protection of literary, artistic, and musical works.
Law No. 20.254 (2008)
This law established the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI), which is responsible for administering industrial property rights in Chile.
🏢 National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI
INAPI is the central authority for IP matters in Chile, responsible for:
Registering and managing industrial property righs.
Promoting the protection of industrial property and disseminating technological assets and informatin.
Advising the President of the Republic on industrial property matters and interacting with foreign authorities and international entitis.
🌍 International Treaties
Chile is a signatory to several key international IP treaties, includng:
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Madrid Protocol
**Patent Cooperation Treaty (PC)**
Hague Agreement
Berne Convention
**WIPO Copyright Treaty (WC)**
**WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPP)**
⚖️ Enforcement and Protectin
Chile has implemented several measures to enforce IP rigts:
*Industrial Property Tribunal: Established by Article 17bis C of Law No. 19.039, this special court handles disputes related to industrial property rigts.
**Intellectual Property Brigade (BRIDEPI)*: Operates under the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) to combat counterfeiting and IP infringemets.
*National Customs Service: Collaborates with BRIDEPI to seize counterfeit goods at bordrs.
In 2022, BRIDEPI seized over 1.48 million counterfeit products worth approximately US$6.5 million and arrested 798 individuals for IP-related offenes.
🤝 Inventor Assistance Program (IP)
In 2022, Chile joined WIPO's Inventor Assistance Program, providing pro bono patent legal services to independent inventors and small businesses. This initiative aims to support innovators in transforming their ideas into commercial asets.
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