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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Cuba

Who registers trademarks in Cuba, what it costs, how long it takes and what foreign owners need — with links to the official sources and IP firms that can file for you.

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Quick answer

Trademarks in Cuba are registered with the Oficina Cubana de la Propiedad Industrial (OCPI); third parties can oppose within 60 days from the circulation of the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Cuba can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
OCPI
Madrid Protocol
Member since 1995
Opposition
60 days from the circulation of the Boletín Ofi…
Protection
10 years from filing date
Multi-class filing
Allowed

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Official fees in Cuba

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

How to register a trademark in Cuba

  1. Search OCPI's national trademark database for similar earlier marks.
  2. Foreign applicants without a real and effective domicile or establishment in Cuba appoint an Official Industrial Property Agent (Agente Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial).
  3. File the application with OCPI, listing goods and services under the Nice Classification (one application can cover several classes), or designate Cuba in a Madrid international registration.
  4. OCPI examines formalities and publishes the application in the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial.
  5. Third parties may file observations, and holders of earlier rights may oppose, within 60 days of the Bulletin's circulation; the applicant has 30 days to respond.
  6. After substantive examination, OCPI grants the registration; the grant fee must be paid within 30 days of notification or the application is treated as abandoned.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: OCPI examines formalities and then substantive grounds (absolute and relative); the substantive examination is to be completed within one year of filing, according to commentary on Decree-Law No. 203.
  • Publication: Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial (BOPI), published by OCPI (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 22)
  • Opposition period: 60 days from the circulation of the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 23); the applicant then has 30 days to respond

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: Renewal is requested in the 6 months before expiry; a further 6-month grace period after expiry is available with a surcharge (Decree-Law No. 203, arts. 49–50)
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.
  • Rights system: first to file.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: Foreign applicants without a real and effective domicile or industrial or commercial establishment in Cuba must be represented by an Official Industrial Property Agent; those domiciled in Cuba may file directly or through an agent (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 8).
  • Language: Spanish; documents in another language need a Spanish translation, filed within 60 days of the filing date (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 6.2)

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

Madrid Protocol

Cuba is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 1995). 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 (use of the Nice Classification is made mandatory by OCPI resolutions). One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Cuba compares

  • Opposition: 60 days from the circulation of the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 23); the applicant then has 30 days to respond — compare all countries
  • Renewal: every 10 years; grace period Renewal is requested in the 6 months before expiry; a further 6-month grace period after expiry is available with a surcharge (Decree-Law No. 203, arts. 49–50) — compare all countries
  • Foreign owners: required — rules in every country

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

Good to know in Cuba

  • Cuba has been a member of the Madrid Protocol since 26 December 1995, so it can be designated in an international registration.
  • Foreign owners without a domicile or establishment in Cuba must act through an Official Industrial Property Agent.
  • A registration lapses if the mark is not effectively used in Cuba for three consecutive years without justification (Decree-Law No. 203, art. 64).
  • The grant fee must be paid within 30 days of notification of the grant, or the grant has no effect.
  • A customs measure (Resolution No. 25-2001) allows the retention of imported goods that infringe IP rights.

Questions

Is Cuba part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Cuba on 26 December 1995, so Cuba can be designated in an international trademark registration.
How long is the trademark opposition period in Cuba?
Sixty days from the circulation of the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial in which the application is published.
How long does a trademark registration last in Cuba?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for 10-year periods; renewal is due in the 6 months before expiry, with a further 6-month grace period and surcharge.
Do foreign companies need a local agent to register a trademark in Cuba?
Yes, if they have no real and effective domicile or establishment in Cuba: they must be represented by an Official Industrial Property Agent.
Can a Cuban trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. A registration lapses if the mark is not effectively used in Cuba for three consecutive years without justification.
Can one Cuban trademark application cover several classes?
Yes. Decree-Law No. 203 introduced multi-class applications.