Trademark registration in Bhutan

The trademark office and official links

Trademarks in Bhutan are registered by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Industrial Property, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (DoMCIIP).

• Trademark office: Department of Media, Creative Industry and Industrial Property, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (DoMCIIP)
• Law: Industrial Property Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001
• Law: Industrial Property Rules, 2001

Official fees in Bhutan

The office does not publish an up-to-date fee schedule we could verify. Ask firms that cover Bhutan for a quote that shows official and professional fees separately — post a request or compare packages.

How to register a trademark in Bhutan

1. Search the Register for earlier identical or similar marks.
2. Applicants based outside Bhutan appoint a legal practitioner practising in Bhutan or a registered industrial property agent.
3. File the application in English with the Registrar, listing goods/services by Nice class (several classes may be included, with fees per class).
4. File the power of attorney (Form 16) with the application or within two months of filing.
5. The Registrar examines the application and publishes accepted applications in the Official Bulletin.
6. Third parties may oppose within three months of publication; the applicant has two months to file a counter-statement.
7. If unopposed, the mark is registered and the registration is published.

Examination, publication and opposition

• Examination: The Registrar of the Industrial Property Registry examines applications; no official processing time is stated.
• Publication: Official Bulletin
• Opposition period: 3 months from publication

Protection, renewal and use

• Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
• Late renewal: 6 months with surcharge
• Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.
• Rights system: first to file.

Filing from abroad

• Local agent: Applicants whose residence or principal place of business is outside Bhutan must be represented by a legal practitioner practising in Bhutan or a registered industrial property agent.
• Power of attorney: Power of attorney on Form 16 signed by the applicant; may be filed with the application or within two months of filing. Notarisation requirements are not stated in the Rules.
• Language: English; documents in other languages need an English translation, and non-English words in a mark need a transliteration and translation

Firms on TrademarksHub that cover Bhutan can act as your local agent — see firms.

Madrid Protocol

Bhutan is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 2000). You can designate it in an international application filed through your home office, or file a national application directly. A local firm can advise which route is cheaper for your classes and timeline.

Trademark classes

Nice Classification. One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Bhutan compares

• Opposition: 3 months from publication — compare all countries
• Renewal: every 10 years; grace period 6 months with surcharge — compare all countries
• Foreign owners: required — rules in every country

Guides: registering in any country · costs by country · Madrid

Good to know in Bhutan

• Bhutan has been a Madrid Protocol member since 4 August 2000, making it one of the earlier Asian members.
• A registered mark can be removed if unused for three continuous years without special circumstances.
• Non-English words in a mark must be accompanied by a transliteration and translation.
• The Ministry has sought public feedback on amendments to the Industrial Property Act, so procedures and fees may change.

Questions