Notes when registering a trademark in Suriname

Suriname, with its diverse culture, rich natural resources, and growing economy, opens up many opportunities for businesses looking to build a brand. Suriname has a large forest area, fertile soil, suitable for the cultivation of industrial crops such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil and tropical fruit trees. Agricultural and forestry products have great export potential, especially to the European and North American markets. Investing in agricultural product processing plants will create added value for products and minimize risks in the export process. Suriname is home to many primeval forests, rivers, waterfalls, and rare wildlife, attracting tourists who love to explore nature. The blend of indigenous, European, Asian, and African cultures creates a unique and fascinating culture. Therefore, the development of ecotourism is a sustainable direction, helping to protect the environment and create jobs for local people. Suriname has large reserves of minerals such as gold, bauxite, oil, and gas, which always attract investment in mineral extraction and processing, which will help economic growth and create jobs. Suriname is a potential market with many attractive business opportunities. However, to be successful, businesses need to be well prepared, understand the market and build sustainable cooperative relationships. One of the ways to succeed when investing here is brand development, Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the preliminary procedures for trademark registration in Suriname through the article below.

Legal Basis

• Resolution No. 1862 of June 13, 1946, included regulations on Factories and Trademarks in the colonies and the Auxiliary Offices for Industrial Property.
• Other relevant legal documents.

Definition of trademark in Suriname

In Suriname, a trademark is an intellectual property protected by law. This is a characteristic sign, which can be a name, logo, or image, that is used to distinguish a business’s goods or services from other businesses, and to give exclusive rights of use to the owner.

Types of trademarks that can be registered in Suriname

Currently, only trademarks for goods can be registered in Suriname. This means that service trademarks are not yet protected under the current legal framework.

Types of trademarks for goods

Although the specific types of trademarks are not clearly defined, the common types of trademarks accepted in most countries, including Suriname would be:

• Word trademark: Words, letters, or numbers used as trademarks.
• Image trademark: Graphic images or logos used as trademarks.
• Combination trademark: A combination of words and images.

Notes on Trademark Registration Conditions in Suriname

• Trademark type: Currently, Suriname only allows trademark registration for goods. This means that services are not protected by a trademark.
• Uniqueness: The trademark must be unique, not identical or similar to a trademark previously registered in Suriname.
• Distinguishability: The trademark must be able to help consumers distinguish your goods from those of other businesses.
• Comply with the law: Trademarks must not violate the law, social ethics, or the rights of others. For example, it is forbidden to use words or images that are misleading, offensive, or related to illegal activities.

Notes on the Benefits of Registering Trademark Protection in Suriname

Registering trademark protection in Suriname is a strategic step to help businesses protect their intellectual property rights and enhance their brand value. Owning a registered trademark brings many practical benefits, including:

• Exclusive right to use: Businesses will have the exclusive right to use trademarks in Suriname, preventing unfair competition practices such as counterfeiting and counterfeiting products. This helps protect the reputation and credibility of the brand.
• Increase brand value: A registered trademark becomes a valuable intangible asset, contributing to increasing the competitiveness of businesses in the market.
• Investment protection: Trademark registration helps businesses protect their investment in branding, while preventing intellectual property rights infringement.
• Enhance customer trust: Registered trademarks help customers easily identify your products and services, thereby building trust and increasing customer choice.
• Market expansion: Trademarks protected in Suriname can be the foundation for businesses to expand their business to other markets, attracting investors and partners.

Notes on Trademark Registration Records in Suriname

• Trademark registration application: The applicant completes the following information:
  • Name and address of the applicant (individual or business)
  • Brand type (word, logo, image, etc.)
  • A detailed description of the trademark (meaning, color, typography, etc.)
  • List of goods or services according to the Nice classification system
  • Application Fee
• Trademark Templates: Two clear and easily visible copies of the trademark printed on a white background. If the trademark is colorful, a clear note should be made.
• Identification documents:
  • A copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport (if it is an individual).
  • Business registration certificate or business license (if it is an enterprise).
• Power of attorney (if applicable): If the applicant hires an attorney or legal representative to file the application, a valid power of attorney is required.
• Additional documents (if any): If the trademark has special elements, the applicant needs to provide explanatory or illustrative documents. For example, if the trademark is a complex logo, the applicant can provide technical drawings.
• Fee payment receipt

How to file a trademark application in Suriname

To file a trademark protection application in Suriname, you can file by the following filing methods:

• Direct filing: Customers can go directly to the Suriname Intellectual Property Office – Ministry of Economy, Enterprise and Technological Innovation at Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Havenlaan 1 Paramaribo to submit the application and related documents.
• By post: You can send the application form and all necessary documents through the postal service or courier service to the Suriname Intellectual Property Office – Ministry of Economy, Enterprise and Technological Innovation at the address Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Havenlaan 1 Paramaribo.

If you want to file a trademark registration application in Suriname, please contact Viet An Law for the most effective support.