Suriname Trade Mark Guide

Registration
A trade mark can be registered in Suriname pursuant to the Royal Ordinance (Regulation for Industrial Property, 1912) of August 19, 1912, amended by Decree of August 31, 1984 which provides for local trade mark applications.

For a local application the following information and documentation is required:

1. name of the trade mark
2. one copy of the mark (unless mark is word only)
3. class(es) and specification of goods
4. applicant’s name and address
5. Power of Attorney
6. certified copy of priority document (if priority is claimed)

It usually takes about 12 months for the Head of the Bureau for Industrial Property in the Ministry of Justice and Police to process an application for registration. Paris Convention priority can be claimed. Once the registration is complete the Bureau will issue a Registration Certificate.

Classes
The International Classification system is used. Multi-class applications are allowed. Service Marks are not permitted.

Searches
In order to conduct a search the only documentation required is the name of the trade mark and one print of the mark (unless mark is word only). The result can usually be provided within two weeks.

Renewal
A trade mark registration is valid for 10 years after which it can be renewed for like periods. Two months before the renewal date we will send you an Expiry Notice asking whether you wish us to renew the registration or allow the mark to lapse. If the registration is to be renewed the documentation required is 10 prints of the mark (unless mark is word only), a copy of the Registration Certificate and a Power of Attorney.

The application for renewal should be filed prior to the expiration date of the registration. A grace period of six months, however, is allowed from the expiration date for the filing of the application for renewal. After that time a new application for registration is required.

It usually takes about 10 months for the Bureau to process an application for renewal. Once the renewal is complete the Bureau will issue a Certificate of Renewal.

If you do not wish to renew the mark please inform us so that we can advise the Bureau accordingly.

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

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

To record the assignment of a trade mark registration the documentation required is 10 prints of the mark (unless mark is word only), the Deed of Assignment (notarised) and a Power of Attorney.

It usually takes between 10-12 months for the Bureau to process an application to record an assignment. Once the recording is complete the Bureau will issue a Certificate of Recording showing the assignment.

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 Suriname.

To record a change of name and/or address for a trade mark registration the documentation required is 10 prints of the mark (unless mark is word only), a certified Deed evidencing the change and a Power of Attorney.

It usually takes between 10-12 months for the Bureau to process an application to record a Change of Particulars. Once the recording is complete the Bureau will issue a Certificate of Recording showing the change.