Belize Trade Mark Guide
Registration
A trade mark can be registered in Belize pursuant to The Trade Marks Act, (cap. 257, 2000) which provides for local trade mark applications.
The following information and documentation is required:
- name of the trade mark
- one copy of the mark (unless mark is word only)
- class(es) and specification of goods and services
- applicant’s name and address
- Authorisation of Agent (Form No. 2 – notarised)
- certified copy of priority document (if priority is claimed)
It usually takes four months or less for the Registrar of Intellectual Property in the Belize Intellectual Property Office to process an application for registration. Paris Convention priority can be claimed. Once the registration is complete the Registrar will issue a Certificate of Registration.
Use
If a trade mark is not used within five years after registration it may be cancelled.
Classes
The International Classification system is used. Multi-class applications are allowed for up to five classes.
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 Office operates a manual system and filing is by registration number. Some indexes are maintained, however, that assist in the manual search. The result can usually be provided within five working days.
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 only documentation required is an Authorisation of Agent (Form No. 2 – notarised).
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 upon payment of a late fee. After that time a new application for registration is required.
It usually takes four months or less for the Registrar to process an application for renewal. Once the renewal is complete the Registrar will issue a Certificate of Renewal.
If you do not wish to renew the mark please inform us so that we can advise the Registrar 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 Registrar 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 Belize.
To record the assignment of a trade mark registration the documentation required is the Deed of Assignment (notarised), an Authorisation of Agent (Form No. 2 – notarised) and an Instruction Sheet.
It usually takes four months or less for the Registrar to process an application to record an assignment. Once the recording is complete the Registrar will issue a Certificate of 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 Belize.
To record a change of name and/or address for a trade mark registration the documentation required is the document evidencing the change (notarised), an Authorisation of Agent (Form No. 2 – notarised) and an Instruction Sheet.
It usually takes four months or less for the Registrar to process an application to record a Change of Particulars. Once the recording is complete the Registrar will issue a Certificate of Change of Particulars.
Contact
E-mail: ip@hsmoffice.com
Tel: +1 (345) 949-4766
Mail:
PO Box 31726, Grand Cayman KY1-1207
Cayman Islands
Courier:
HSM, 68 Fort Street, George Town
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
MEMBERSHIPS
The firm is a member of INTA, CITMA, AIPLA and IPCA