# Trademark registration in Bhutan

> Trademarks in Bhutan are registered with the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Industrial Property, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (DoMCIIP); third parties can oppose within 3 months from publication. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Bhutan can be designated through the Madrid System.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/bhutan
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Department of Media, Creative Industry and Industrial Property, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (DoMCIIP)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2000
- **Opposition period:** 3 months from publication
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed
- **Foreign applicants:** Applicants whose residence or principal place of business is outside Bhutan must be represented by a legal practitioner…

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.moice.gov.bt/
- Law: Industrial Property Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5211
- Law: Industrial Property Rules, 2001 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5212

## Steps
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:** The Registrar of the Industrial Property Registry examines applications; no official processing time is stated.
- **Publication:** Official Bulletin
- **Opposition:** 3 months from publication
- **Late renewal:** 6 months with surcharge
- **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
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- 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.

## FAQ
### Is Bhutan part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Bhutan since 4 August 2000.

### How long does a trademark registration last in Bhutan?
Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and is renewable for 10-year periods, with a 6-month grace period subject to a surcharge.

### What is the trademark opposition period in Bhutan?
A notice of opposition must be filed within three months of publication.

### Do foreign applicants need a local agent in Bhutan?
Yes. Applicants based outside Bhutan must be represented by a legal practitioner practising in Bhutan or a registered industrial property agent.

### Can a trademark be cancelled for non-use in Bhutan?
Yes. An aggrieved person can seek removal of a mark that has not been used for three continuous years.

## Sources
- WIPO Lex - Industrial Property Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5211
- WIPO Lex - Industrial Property Rules, 2001: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5212
- WIPO Lex - Bhutan profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/BT
- WIPO Directory of IP offices - Bhutan: https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/details.jsp?country_code=BT
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment: https://www.moice.gov.bt/
- WIPO - Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?search_what=C&treaty_id=8

Need a firm that files in Bhutan? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/bhutan (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.