Common questions about trademark registration in the Caribbean and Latin America
Proxario is a specialist intellectual property firm that handles trademark registration, search, renewal, opposition, enforcement, and portfolio management across 45+ Caribbean and Latin American jurisdictions. We serve businesses, law firms, and entrepreneurs from our headquarters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
We cover 45+ jurisdictions across Latin America (including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and more) and the Caribbean (including Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad, Barbados, Cayman Islands, BVI, and many more). See our complete country list for details on each jurisdiction.
Yes. We serve as local correspondent for international law firms handling trademark matters in our region. We provide reliable prosecution, structured reporting, and flat-fee pricing. Visit our law firm partnerships page for details.
It varies by country. The fastest is the Dominican Republic at approximately 2.5 months. Most Caribbean jurisdictions take 6–12 months. Larger countries like Brazil and Jamaica can take 12–18 months. Argentina currently has a 20–24 month backlog. We provide specific timelines for each jurisdiction on our country pages.
In first-to-file jurisdictions (most countries in our region), whoever files the trademark application first gets the rights — regardless of who used the mark first. In first-to-use jurisdictions (such as Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico), prior commercial use can establish rights even without registration. In first-to-file countries, filing early is critical to prevent others from registering your brand name.
Typically you'll need: your full name and address, a clear representation of the trademark (word and/or logo), a list of goods or services you want to protect (classified under the NICE system), and a power of attorney. Some jurisdictions also require a priority document if you're claiming an earlier filing date from another country. We guide you through the specific requirements for each jurisdiction.
The Nice Classification is an international system that organizes goods and services into 45 classes (Classes 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). When filing a trademark, you must specify which classes your mark covers. For example, clothing is Class 25, restaurant services is Class 43. We help you identify the right classes for your business.
Each country requires a separate application (there's no unified Caribbean or Latin American trademark system). However, we coordinate multi-country filings from a single point of contact, making the process seamless. Some countries are also members of the Madrid Protocol, which allows international filings through WIPO. Use our order page to select multiple jurisdictions at once.
Costs vary by jurisdiction. Proxario operates on a flat-fee basis — our fee includes all government filing fees, professional fees, prosecution, and certificate delivery. There are no hidden costs. Contact us with your target country and we'll provide a specific quote within 24 hours.
It means the price we quote is the total price you pay for a standard, unopposed registration — from filing through to certificate delivery. Government fees, our professional fees, and certificate delivery are all included. The only exception is if unexpected complications arise (such as an opposition from a third party), in which case we discuss additional costs with you before proceeding.
We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), debit cards, and bank transfers through our secure Chase payment system. After you approve a quote, we send you a secure payment link. All transactions are encrypted and PCI-compliant.
In most jurisdictions, a trademark registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods. The Bahamas is an exception at 14 years. We proactively track renewal deadlines for our clients.
Most jurisdictions have non-use cancellation provisions. If a trademark is not used for a specified period (typically 3–5 consecutive years depending on the country), a third party can file to cancel the registration. Some jurisdictions also require periodic declarations of use (notably Mexico, at the 3rd anniversary).
After your application is published, third parties have a window (typically 30–60 days, depending on the jurisdiction) to file an opposition. If an opposition is filed, we notify you immediately and discuss strategy. We have experience handling oppositions across all our jurisdictions. Additional fees may apply for opposition proceedings.
Yes. We provide enforcement services including cease-and-desist actions, opposition and cancellation proceedings, customs recordal for border enforcement, and coordination with local courts. Visit our services page for details.
Contact us for a free trademark assessment. We respond within 24 hours.