The Andean opposition protocol comes into operation

The Andean opposition protocol for the management of Andean oppositions in trade mark matters came into operation on 1 March 2023.

Found in article 147 of the Andean Decision 486 of 2000, its wording establishes that "(...) both the owner of an identical or similar mark for goods or services in relation to which use of the mark could mislead the public and the person who first applied for registration of that mark in any of the member countries also have a legitimate interest in filing oppositions in the other member countries." Being these country members: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

In a nutshell, this protocol focuses on defining an effective process for the detailed information/direct communication exchange among INDECOPI Peru, SENADI Ecuador, and SIC Colombia, regarding the status of cases in each country, related to the opposition process (trade marks, pending applications, cancellation actions, etc.) to promote their quick resolution.