Trademarks in Ecuador***

<center> <p>  <h1> <font size="4"> <a NAME="Trademarks" target="_self"></a>ECUADOR / TRADEMARKS</font></h1></center> <div align=right><i>back to: <a href="../InfoTM.htm" target="_self">Filing Trademarks</a></i> </div> <p><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><b>PRELIMINARY NOTE:</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Times New Roman; mso-fareast-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN-AU">In order to stress differences between former Decision 344 and now enacted Decision 486, phrases and words in "<i><b>script</b></i>" refer to modifications or new matters included in the new Decision 486 of the Cartagena Agreement.</span></p> <p> <a NAME="tmlaw" target="_self"></a><b>Law</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Intellectual Property Law, effective May 19, 1998; Regulations to Intellectual Property Law, enacted in February 1990 R.O. # 120. Decision <span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU">486 of the Cartagena Agreement, enacted on December 1<sup>st</sup>, 2000, Decision</span> 345 of the Cartagena Agreement; Regulations for the protection of vegetal varieties, effective July 20, 1994; Decision 291 of the Cartagena Agreement, dealing with foreign investments and licensing, Decree No. 415-93: Rules for applying norms to foreign investments, effective January 13, 1993. Law No. 46-97 for the promotion and guaranty of investments, effective December 19, 1997. Matters not covered by Decisions 486 and 345 continue to be regulated by the domestic laws of Ecuador.<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Intellectual Property Law, enacted on May 19, 1998;</span> <p><a NAME="tmtran" target="_self"></a><b>Transitional Provisions</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Pending applications at the Patent Office shall be handled according to the new Intellectual Property Law. Any industrial property right validly granted should be ruled according to the legislation in force at the granting date, except the validity of registrations, which has to be modified in accordance with Decision 486. Regarding “patents” and “trademarks” no modification in the validity term was stated.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Supreme Court shall organize the district courts for intellectual property cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Meanwhile, intellectual property district courts are established, the Contentious and Administrative Courts are in charge of Intellectual Property cases, except the injunction actions, which remain under competence of civil judges.</p> <p><a NAME="tmconv" target="_self"></a><b>Conventions</b> <p>Cartagena Agreement. Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIP’s). Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).</p> <p><a NAME="tmdefi" target="_self"></a><b>Definitions</b> <div align=right><i>back to: <a href="#tmcollect" target="_self">Collective Marks</a></i></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><u>Trademarks/services marks</u>: any sign capable to distinguish products or services in the market. May be registered as trademarks signs, which are susceptible of graphic representation <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">(eliminated “sufficiently distinctive”)</i></b>. Commercial slogans may also be registered as trademarks, provided they do not contain allusions to similar products or trademarks or expressions that may cause damage to said products or trademarks.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in"><u>Slogans</u>: word, phrase, or legend used to complement a trademark.<span style="font-family: "Times New""> </span>The provisions<span style="font-family:"Times New""> </span>related to the Trademarks shall be applied. A commercial slogan must be transferred together with the trademark with which it is associated and its legitimacy will be linked to that mark.<span style="font-family:"Times New""><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Collective Mark</span></u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">: any trademark that serves to distinguish the origin or any other shared characteristic of goods or services belonging to different businesses, which use such a sign under the control of the registrant.<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Associations of producers, manufacturers, service providers; organizations; or any legally conformed group of people may apply for a collective mark. Collective marks may be assigned to third parties, as long as said association, organization or group of people authorizes the assignment. Use of the collective mark is reserved for members of the association, organization or group of people.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><u>Commercial Name</u>: a sign or denomination, which identifies a business or economic activity of a natural or juridical person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A commercial name is independent of the denomination or juridical name used by artificial persons; therefore, they can coexist. </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">(Decision 486, Art. 190)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p> </b></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Registration is not mandatory. The right of exclusive use of a commercial name derives from its continuous bona fide public use for six months or more. <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The commercial names may be registered at the Trademarks Office, and such registry constitutes a presumption of property in favor of its titleholder.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><u>Distinctive Appearance (Trade-dress)</u>: any assembly of characteristic colors, forms, presentations, structures and designs and particularity of a commercial establishment, which identifies and distinguishes the presentation of services or sale of products. Distinctive appearances shall be protected in the same way as the commercial names. (Intellectual Property Law, Art. 235)<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Geographical Indication</span></u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">: Identifies a product as original from the territory of a country, a region or locality in that territory, when a determined quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is basically attributable to its geographic origin, including the natural and human factors. <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It is prohibited to use misleading geographical indications, or when their use may induce to confusion.</span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> (Decision 486, Art. 222)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Trademarks Office may declare the protection of geographic indications from other countries, when the public authorities or a person with legitimate interest, submit the applications. The geographic indications must have been declared as such in their origin countries. <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The geographic indications protected in other countries shall be considered common or generic in order to distinguish some product, while such protection subsists.</p> <p><a NAME="tmwho" target="_self"></a><b>Who may apply</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Any person, natural or juridical, national or foreign, has the right to identify, by means of a mark, those goods or services produced by him, and to register that mark.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The first applicant of a mark is entitled to its registration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A prior registrant may oppose or apply to cancel an identical or similar mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The applications accepted for registration in one Member Country of the Cartagena Agreement have a priority of six months.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">The applications validly submitted in a Member Country of the World Trade Organization, the Andean Community, the Paris Convention, or another treaty or convention of which Ecuador would be a part, have a six months priority in Ecuador. Such application cannot refer to products or services different or additional to those included in the first application.</span> <p><a NAME="tmreg" target="_self"></a><b>What Can Be Registered</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The symbols that are discernible, sufficiently distinctive, and capable of graphic representation can be registered as marks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Commercial slogans (i.e., the word, phrase, or legends used to complement a registered trademark) are also registrable.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Among others, sounds and odors may be registered as a trademark, as well as combination of colors or a single color delimited by a specific form.</span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> (Decision 486, Art. 134)<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p><a NAME="tmnotreg" target="_self"></a><b>Not Registrable</b> <p>Symbols may not be registered as trademarks if they: <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Fail to meet the definition of a trademark;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">of solely</i></b> of characteristics imposed by the nature of the use of the goods or services in question;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">of solely</i></b> of forms that improve the functioning or art, or enhance or change the intrinsic value, of the goods or services;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of solely a symbol or name that serves in commercial use to identify or describe the type, quality, quantity, use, value, origin, production date, or other facts, characteristics or information regarding goods or services for which they are used; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of solely a symbol or name that, in common speech or in commercial use in the country, is conventionally used to designate goods or services for which it is used;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of a color that stands alone without being incorporated into a specific form;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are contrary to law, morals, public order or accepted standards of behavior;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">May deceive commercial entities or the general public, particularly with regard to the origin, nature, method of manufacture, characteristics, qualities or usefulness of concerned goods or services;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Reproduce or imitate a protected name of origin, consist of a local or foreign geographical name that may cause mistake when used on or in connection with goods or services; or which may deceive the public regarding the origin, source, qualities or characteristics of concerned goods;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Reproduce or imitate the name, coat of arms, flags or other insignia, acronyms, or titles or abbreviations of titles of any officially recognized state or international organization, without permission from the state or international organization in question; in any case, such symbols may only be registered if they are subordinated to the principal distinctive mark;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Constituted by signs that reproduce or imitate technical standards, unless the competent domestic agency in charge of technical and quality standards is the applicant;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Reproduce coins or bills of legal tender within the national territory, or of any country, or titles, bonds, and other business documents, seals, stamps, tax stamps.<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in">Consist in the denomination of a protected vegetal variety to be obtained in the country or abroad, or of a denomination essentially derived from it; unless the application is made by the same titleholder.</li> </ol> <u>Note:</u> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">When the signs are not intrinsically capable to distinguish the pertinent products or services, the National Office may allow its registration if a secondary meaning has been acquired through use to identify the applicant's products or services. </span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">(Decision 486, Art. 135)</span> <p>Symbols may not be registered as trademarks if, with respect to third party rights, if they: <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are identical to, or sufficiently resemble so as to cause mistake, a mark for which registration has been applied or registered by a third party, for the same goods or services, or for goods or services for which the use of the mark may cause mistake;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are identical to or resemble a protected commercial name, in accordance with domestic law in the Member Countries of the Andean Group, which under the circumstances may cause mistake;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are identical or similar to a registered commercial slogan, which under the circumstances may cause mistake;<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are identical to a mark, or sufficiently resemble to cause mistake, and the applicant is, or was, a distributor or expressly authorized person by the owner of the protected sign in any Andean or foreign country.<o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Constitute the complete or partial reproduction, imitation, translation, or transcription of a distinctive symbol widely known in the country in which the registration is being applied, or in countries from the area or international trading partners and provide reciprocity, by interested sectors and which are owned by a third party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This prohibition shall apply, regardless of the classification of goods or services. Are not sufficiently similar so as to cause confusion with a widely-known trademark, regardless of the class of goods or services for which registration is being applied; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of the complete name, surname, pseudonym, signature, caricature, or portrait of a natural person other than the petitioner or which is identified by the general public with a person other than the petitioner, except with the consent of that person or his heirs; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of a sign that affects the identity or prestige of an artificial person.<o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Consist of the name of an indigenous, Afro-American or local community, or the denominations, words, letters used to distinguish their products or services, except if an express authorization is submitted.<o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></li> <li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Consist of titles of literary, artistic, or scientific works or fictitious or symbolic characters whose copyright is owned by a third party, without his or her consent.</span></li> </ol> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">The Trademarks Office can deny a trademark application if it make easy or consolidate an unfair competition act</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">. (Decision 486, Art. 137)</span> <p class="MsoBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Commercial slogans</span></u></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> that contain references to similar goods or marks, or wording that may cause damage to say products or marks, will not be registered.<o:p> </o:p> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Geographical Indication</span></u></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">: It<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i>cannot be declared as geographical indications those which:<o:p> </o:p> </span><o:p> </o:p> </p> <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Are not adjusted to the definition of Geographical Indication<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">;</i><o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in">Are contrary to the moral or to the public order or may deceive the public</li> <li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Common or generic words.</span></li> </ol> <a NAME="tmprot" target="_self"></a><b>Protection of Famous Trademarks</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Famous marks enjoy levels of special protection, even if not locally registered. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The registrant of a widely known mark in Ecuador, in any Andean Country or in the international trade, may take actions against pirate applications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This action shall apply, regardless the class of goods or services, both if the symbol is used for the same goods and services as those protected by the widely known trademark, or if used for different goods or services. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The owner of a notorious mark shall act against who use it, even without commercial purpose, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">if such use causes confusion, damages the distinctive character of the notorious mark or gives an unfair advantage to a third party. </i></b>(Decision 486, Art. 226)<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When a notorious mark is registered as domain name, or e-mail address in any Member Country by a third party, the national authority will order the cancellation or modification of such a record if it causes confusion, damages the distinctive character of the notorious mark or gives an unfair advantage to a third party. </span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">(Decision 486, Art. 233)<o:p> </o:p> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">Cancellation is possible as well, upon request of the legitimate owner, when the given mark is identical or similar to a trademark that has been widely known according to the enforced law at the time when the application for registration was deposited.</p> <p><a NAME="tmclass" target="_self"></a><b>Classification</b> <p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Nice International Classification is used, but each application must be filed with express indication of the products or services for which the mark is to be registered. Therefore, inclusion of the phrase “and all other goods/services covered by the class” is no longer allowed</span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-style: italic">. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">(Decision 486, Art. 139).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A separate application for each desired class is necessary.</span></i></b> <p><a NAME="tmcollect" target="_self"></a><b>Collective Marks</b>   <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">Associations of producers, manufacturers, providers of services, organizations, or any legally conformed group may apply for a collective mark.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">The application must be accompanied by:</p> <ol> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">Copy of the statutes of the association, organization or group of people which is seeking to register the collective mark;</li> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">Copy of the rules that the applicant seeking the collective mark will use to regulate the goods and services;</li> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">Description of the conditions and manner in which the collective mark will be used,</li> <li> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in -.5in .05pt 42.3pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in">A list of the members.<span style="font-family:"Times New""><o:p> </o:p> </span></li> </ol> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">When a priority is claimed, no legislation or authentication of documents for pending applications shall be required</span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">.<o:p> </o:p> </span> (See also <a href="#tmdefi" target="_self">Definitions</a>, <a href="#tmAmmen" target="_self">Amendment</a>, <a href="#tmAssi" target="_self">Assignment</a> , and <a href="#tmlic" target="_self">License</a>.) <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic"><a name="TMCert" target="_self">Certification Marks</a></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Is a sign used in some products or services which quality or other characteristics have been certified by the owner of the trademark. </span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">(Decision 486, Art. 185)</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> <a name="tmdocuments" target="_self">Documents Required</a></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></b></p> <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><a href="../poweratt.htm" target="_blank"> Power of Attorney</a><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> duly legalized up to the Ecuadorian Consulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If the applicant is a corporation, it must provide proof of its status as a legal entity. One power is enough for one or more simultaneous or further applications.<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">10 prints of the mark. (this is not for word marks)<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When claiming priority, application must be filed within six months as from the first application date, and a certified copy of the prior application, must be filed within 60 working days. Documents not in Spanish must be officially translated. (can be done locally).<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Indication of goods and services to be covered (International Classification).<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> </ol> <p class="MsoBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Commercial Slogans:</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> The application for registration of a commercial slogan must specify the registered or applied trademark that will be used with it.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Documents proving the existence and representation of the legal entity that is filing the application; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A clear and complete description of the mark.<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A copy of the first slogan (or trademark) application filed in any Member Country of the Andean Group of the Paris Convention, if priority is claimed; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Labels of the slogan, when containing graphic elements</span></li> </ol> <p><a NAME="tmpriority" target="_self"></a><b>Priority</b> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The first application for registration of a trademark validly submitted in a member country of the World Trade Organization, the Andean Community or the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property confers to the applicant a priority of six months. Certified copy of the priority document has to be submitted within 3 months after the application date.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Priority is given as well for the use of a trademark in an exposition officially recognized, held in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">any </i></b>country, as from the date on which the products or services with the respective trademark would have been exhibited for the first time.</p> <p><a NAME="tmproc" target="_self"></a><b>Procedure</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Once the application is admitted, the Trademarks Office shall examine formal aspects within fifteen working days following its deposit. If the application does not comply with the formal requirements, the petitioner shall be given a term of <b><i>sixty</i></b> days to fulfill requirements.<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span lang="EN-GB">Once it has been determined that the application fulfils the formal requirements of the law, a summary of the approved application is published in the Official Gazette for oppositions.</span></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Once such term expires, the Trademarks Office resolves over the oppositions and the concession or rejection of the mark.</span> <p> <br><a NAME="tmAmmen" href target="_self"></a><b>Amendment</b> </p> <div align=right><i>back to: <a href="#tmcollect" target="_self">Collective Marks</a></i></div> The applicant may <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">amend any material error</span></i></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"> at any time before granting</span>, only with relation to secondary aspects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Can be eliminated or restricted goods or services, within the same class. In any case the modification may imply a change in the sign or a broad scope of goods or services. The owner has the right to renounce to part of the products or services covered by a trademark registration. <p><a NAME="tmoppo" target="_self"></a><b>Opposition</b> <p class="MsoBodyText3"><span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal">Within thirty working days following the publication, any person with legitimate interest may oppose.</span> An additional 30 days period is granted to the opponent to submit proofs in order to support the opposition. (Decision 486, Art. 146)<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"><o:p> </o:p> </span><o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The oppositions can be filed on the grounds of registered marks, famous foreign marks (even if they are not registered), and marks that are registered in a Member Country.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText3">The opponent has of the Member Country where the opposition is lodged. If the opponent does not have a prior registration or application, he must credit actual interest in the market through local deposit of the mark when lodging the opposition. <span style="font-weight:normal">(Decision 486,Art. 147)<o:p> </o:p> </span><o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The applicants are serviced with oppositions for a thirty working days period, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">extendable once, in order to submit proofs to support the opposition.</i></b> (Decision 486, Art. 148)<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p><a NAME="tmeffect" target="_self"></a><b>Effect of Registration</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Registration of a trademark confers the exclusive right to use the mark.<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">International exhaustion of the trademark rights, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">especially when the packages and containers are not modified.</i></b> (Decision 486, Art. 158)<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The commercial name shall be protected without the obligation to register it. The right of exclusive use of a commercial name derives from its continuous bona fide public use in the trade, for six months or more. <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p><a NAME="tmduration" target="_self"></a><b>Duration and Renewal</b> <p><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The trademark registration term is 10 years as from the date of registration, renewable for like periods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Proof of use is not necessary for renewal purposes.</span> <br><i>Documents for </i>renewal: <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Legalized </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"><a href="../poweratt.htm" target="_blank">Power of Attorney</a>.</span> <p class="MsoBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Geographical Indication:</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> exclusive rights are determined by the subsistence of the conditions, which motivated the registration.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Commercial Names:</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The commercial names are granted by a renewable 10-years period.</i></b> As per the former legislation, they did not have a due date. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Transitional Provisions of Decision 486 stated that the validity of registrations has to be modified according to the new provisions, therefore the validity term regarding already granted Commercial Names has to be limited to 10 years as from the registration date.</i></b></p> <p><a NAME="tmuse" target="_self"></a><b>Use and Cancellation</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A mark used by a licensee is deemed used by the owner if the license agreement is recorded. Upon request, the Trademarks Office may cancel a mark that has not been used in at least one Member Country of the Andean Community within the three consecutive years prior to the date in which the cancellation action is brought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The cancellation of the trademark for lack of use in commerce may also be started as a mean of relief following proceedings for infringement, oppositions and nullity actions when those proceedings are based on a trademark that has not been used. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It is possible to ask for a partial cancellation of a trademark, regarding the products or services covered by the registration that are not in use.</span></i></b><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> (Decision 486, Art. 165)<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Use of the trademark must be supported by proofs, and the trademark registrant has burden to prove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Acts of God and unforeseen circumstances are fair causes for the failure to use a trademark.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In addition, the Trademark Office will cancel the mark, upon request of the legitimate owner, when it is identical or similar to a mark that is widely known according to the law in effect, at the time the application was filed for registration.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When a mark registered in any Member Country is not used, the import of goods or services coming from another Member Country of the Andean Pact, identified with that mark, will be tolerated.<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p><a NAME="tmAssi" target="_self"></a><b>Assignment</b> <div align=right><i>back to: <a href="#tmcollect" target="_self">Collective Marks</a></i></div> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Must be recorded at the Trademark Office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span><o:p> </o:p> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Documents required:</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l25 level1 lfo24; tab-stops:list .25in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">�<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">        </span></span><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"><a href="../poweratt.htm" target="_blank">Power of Attorney</a></span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> and a Deed of Assignment executed by assignor and assignee, both duly legalized up to the Ecuadorian Consulate; <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <a NAME="tmlic" target="_self"></a><b>License</b> <div align=right><i>back to: <a href="#tmcollect" target="_self">Collective Marks</a></i></div> <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A license agreement duly legalized up to the Ecuadorian Consulate must be recorded at the Trademark Office. Lack of recordal will imply that the owner will not benefit from uses performed by a non-registered licensee.<o:p> </o:p> </span> <p><a NAME="tmnullity" target="_self"></a><b>Nullity</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Industrial Property Office may rule, either <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">ex officio </i>or upon petition, that the trademark is invalid, prior to a hearing with the interested parties, when the trademark registration was:<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <ol> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Issued contrary to the law; <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Issued on the grounds of data or documents that were declared false or inexact by the Trademark Office. <o:p> </o:p> </span></li> <li> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo25; tab-stops:list .25in"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Obtained with bad faith.<o:p> </o:p> </span></li> </ol> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Limitation of action.- An action for annulment may be brought within three (3) years at the administrative stage,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>or five years (5) before a civil judge. (Decision 486, Art. 172)<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p> <a NAME="tmlimit" target="_self"></a><b>Limitation of Action</b> </p> <p><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">An action for annulment may be brought within three (3) years at the administrative stage,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>or five years (5) before a civil judge. (Decision 486, Art. 172)</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"><b><a name="tmClaim" target="_self">Claiming actions</a></b> </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;font-weight:normal">(Decision 486, Art. 237)<o:p> </o:p> </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><b><i>When a person, damaging another entitled person, applies or registers a mark, the damaged person shall claim his right and may ask to be recognized as a co-applicant or co-owner of the right.</i></b></span> <p><a NAME="tminfring" target="_self"></a><b>Infringement</b> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><u><span lang="EN-AU" style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">Civil, administrative and criminal actions</span></u><span lang="EN-AU" style="letter-spacing:-.15pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"> can be taken in case of </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU">violation of intellectual property rights. A demand may request for: Ceasing of violation acts; seizure of goods or other objects involved in the transgression, withdrawal from commercial channels of merchandise, as well as its destruction; seizure of tools and means used for the transgression; the compensation for court costs and damages and torts; the repairing in any other form of the effects generated by the violation.<o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU">The right to demand against an infringement lapses 2 years as from the date in which the owner learned about the infringement, or 5 years as from the last date of the infringement. </span></i></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">(Decision 486, Arts. 238-244)<o:p> </o:p> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;tab-stops:-1.0in 0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><u><span lang="EN-AU" style="letter-spacing:-.15pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">Preliminary measures</span></u><span lang="EN-AU" style="letter-spacing:-.15pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">, The j</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">udges are empowered to order: preliminary injunction measures which would be needed for the urgent protection of intellectual property rights and especially the immediate ceasing of illegal activities, the suspension of the illegal activity, including the use, exploitation, sale, offering for sale, imports or exports; and any other measure to stop the violation. <o:p> </o:p> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU">A formal demand must follow the preliminary measure within the next 10 days, otherwise such preliminary measure will be cancelled. </span></i></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-AU">(Decision 486, Arts. 245-249)<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">In cases alleging infringement of a process, the burden of proof rests upon the defendant.</span> <hr> <div align=right><a href="#Trademarks" target="_self"><img border="0" src="../images/top.gif" width="33" height="35"></a> <br><i>back to: <a href="../home.htm" target="_parent">home</a></div>