Trademarks Law in Suriname
Certainly! Here’s an overview of trademark law in Suriname:
Trademark Law in Suriname
1. Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Suriname is governed primarily by the Trademark and Design Law (Trademarks and Designs Act).
The authority responsible for trademark registration is the Office for Intellectual Property (Bureau voor Intellectuele Eigendom) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Suriname is a member of several international treaties:
The Paris Convention
The TRIPS Agreement
Suriname is not yet a member of the Madrid Protocol.
2. Definition of a Trademark
A trademark includes any sign capable of distinguishing goods or services of one business from those of another.
This includes words, logos, shapes, colors, sounds, or combinations.
3. Registration Process
Applications are filed with the Office for Intellectual Property.
The procedure generally involves:
Formal examination for compliance with filing requirements.
Substantive examination to check distinctiveness and prior conflicting trademarks.
Publication of the application in the official gazette for opposition purposes.
Registration if no valid opposition is filed or after successful opposition proceedings.
4. Duration and Renewal
Trademark registration lasts for 10 years from the date of filing.
Renewal is possible for successive 10-year periods indefinitely upon payment of fees.
5. Rights Conferred
Exclusive right to use the trademark in Suriname on the registered goods or services.
Right to prevent unauthorized use or imitation.
Rights to assign, license, or transfer the trademark.
6. Infringement and Enforcement
Infringement covers unauthorized use of identical or confusingly similar marks.
Enforcement is through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction or seizure of infringing goods.
Criminal penalties may be applicable in cases of counterfeiting.
7. International Registration
Since Suriname is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, international trademark applicants must file directly in Suriname through the national office.
Foreign applicants generally need to appoint a local representative or attorney.
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