Intellectual Property
Trademark Registration
in Belize
We assist individuals and businesses with trademark registration, renewal, and enforcement in Belize through BELIPO — the Belize Intellectual Property Office. Protect your brand and secure your intellectual property rights in Belize. Belize Trademark Attorney
Our Services Include
- Trademark registration in Belize
- Trademark renewal
- Transfer or assignment of a trademark
- Recordal of change of name or address
- Recordal of a licence-contract
- Opposition proceedings
- Infringement enforcement and cease & desist
- Portfolio negotiation and licensing
- Customs notices against counterfeit goods
What You Need to Know
Trademark Key Facts
Term of Protection
A registered trademark is protected for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years.
Renewal Grace Period
A renewal grace period of 6 months after expiration is available, with a further 6 months allowed for re-registration (restoration).
Multi-Class Applications
Multi-class applications are limited to five (5) classes per application. Multiple applications may be filed for the same mark across more than five classes.
Use Requirement
Within five years of registration, the mark must be put to genuine use in Belize. Failure to do so may constitute grounds for revocation.
Step by Step
Requirements to Register a Trademark in Belize
Authorization of Agent
An Authorization of Agent (Form No. 2) must be printed on plain white paper (letter-size or A4), completed and signed by the applicant or an authorized signatory before a Notary Public. The Notary Public must affix their seal. A signed notarized or apostilled copy may be sent by email for filing, provided the notarized original is received within 30 days.
Classification of Goods & Services
BELIPO is guided by the Harmonized TMclass Database. We will assist you in identifying the correct class(es) for your goods or services under the Nice Classification system.
Filing the Application
We file the trademark application with BELIPO (Belize Intellectual Property Office) on your behalf. All documents submitted must be in English. If any notarization or apostille is in another language, a certified English translation is required.
Publication & Opposition Period
Once filed, the application is published. Any person may give notice of opposition to the Registrar within approximately 12 weeks from the date of publication.
Registration
Providing there are no office actions or oppositions, completion is approximately 6 to 9 months from the date of filing. The trademark registration is then valid for 10 years.
Paris Convention
Priority Claims
Priority can be claimed from an earlier application filed in a PCT country within 6 months of that earlier application. The Belize filing date will then be the date of the first application. A certified copy of the earlier application must be submitted to BELIPO within 90 days of the Belize filing date.
Customs Protection
Infringement Enforcement
Provisions are in place for a Customs Notice to restrict or commence forfeiture of counterfeit and infringing goods. We assist with portfolio negotiation, licensing, cease and desist actions, and injunctions to protect your mark against local counterfeiters and unauthorized usage.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BELIPO?
BELIPO is the Belize Intellectual Property Office — the government authority responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights in Belize.
Do I need to have used the trademark in Belize before applying?
Prior use in Belize is not mandatory. However, the application must state that the trademark is being used by the applicant or with their consent, or that there is a bona fide intention that it will be so used. The mark must be put to genuine use within five years of registration.
Can I claim priority from an earlier application filed in another country?
Yes. Paris Convention Priority applies. Priority can be claimed from an earlier application filed in a PCT country within 6 months of that earlier application. A certified copy of the earlier application must be submitted to BELIPO within 90 days of the Belize filing date.
What are Collective Marks and Certification Marks?
A collective mark distinguishes the goods or services of members of an association from those of non-members. A certification mark distinguishes goods or services certified by the proprietor in respect of quality or some other characteristic.
How long does trademark renewal take?
The renewal process normally takes approximately 13 weeks. A renewal grace period of 6 months after the expiration date is available, with a further 6 months allowed for re-registration.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Contact us today to begin the trademark registration process in Belize. We handle all filings with BELIPO on your behalf.