Colombia Patent Guide

Registration
A patent can be registered in Colombia, which is a member of the Andean Community of Countries which includes Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, pursuant to the Andean Pact Decision No. 486 (Cartagena Agreement) which provides for national patent applications.

The following information and documentation is required:
1. a request for the grant of the patent
2. a description of the invention
3. one or more claims and any drawings referred to in the description or any claim
4. an abstract
5. applicant’s name, address and nationality
6. Power of Attorney
7. certified copy of priority document (if priority is claimed)
8. certified Spanish translation of all of the above documents

It usually takes about two years for the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to process an application for registration. Paris Convention priority can be claimed. Once the registration is complete the Superintendence will issue a Certificate of Registration.

Patent Cooperation Treaty
Colombia is not a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). National phase filing of a PCT patent is not possible.

Searches
Whilst there is no requirement to conduct a search in Colombia prior to the filing of an application for registration a search is recommended to ascertain that there will be no discrepancies concerning the innovativeness of the patent. The result can usually be provided within ten working days.

Expiry
A patent registration is valid for 20 years. Once the registration has expired it cannot be renewed.

Abandonment
Please inform us as soon as possible if you wish to abandon your patent or allow it to lapse so that we can update our records and advise the Superintendence accordingly. This will avoid us sending out unnecessary Reminder Notices.

Assignment
Please inform us as soon as possible if the patent has been assigned so that we can file an application to record the assignment in Colombia.

To record the assignment of a patent registration the only documentation required is the Deed of Assignment and a Power of Attorney with Spanish translations.

It usually takes four months or less for the Superintendence to process an application to record an assignment. No Certificate is issued.

Change of Particulars
Please inform us as soon as possible if there is any change to the registration so that we can file an application to record the change in Colombia.

To record a change of name and/or address for a patent registration the only documentation required is the document evidencing the change and a Power of Attorney with Spanish translations.

It usually takes one month or less for the Superintendence to process an application to record a Change of Particulars. No Certificate is issued.