# Trademark registration in Panama

> Trademarks in Panama are registered with the Dirección General del Registro de la Propiedad Industrial, Ministry of Commerce and Industries (DIGERPI); third parties can oppose within 2 months from publication in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin. A registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed. Panama is not in the Madrid System, so a national filing is needed.

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

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Dirección General del Registro de la Propiedad Industrial (Directorate General of the Industrial Property Registry), Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) (DIGERPI)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Not a member
- **Opposition period:** 2 months from publication in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin
- **Protection:** 10 years, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.digerpi.gob.pa/
- Official trademark search: https://consulta.digerpi.gob.pa/Marcas/Disponibles
- Law: Law No. 35 of 10 May 1996 on Industrial Property, as amended by Law No. 61 of 5 October 2012 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/3387
- Law: Executive Decree No. 7 of 17 February 1998 implementing Law No. 35 of 1996 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/3390

## Steps
1. Check availability of the mark in DIGERPI's trademark records before filing.
2. Identify the Nice class or classes and clearly list the goods or services to be protected.
3. Complete the DIGERPI application form with details of the mark, the owner and the goods or services.
4. Pay the official fees (for example at Banco Nacional or through online banking) and attach the payment receipt.
5. DIGERPI carries out a formal and substantive examination and, if the application complies, publishes it in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin.
6. Third parties have two months from publication to oppose; oppositions are argued before the commercial courts.
7. If there is no opposition, or it is resolved in the applicant's favour, DIGERPI registers the mark and issues a registration certificate.

- **Examination:** DIGERPI examines applications for form and substance before publication. No official examination period is stated.
- **Publication:** Boletín Oficial de Propiedad Industrial (Official Industrial Property Bulletin).
- **Opposition:** 2 months from publication in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin; oppositions are heard by the commercial courts rather than by DIGERPI.
- **Language:** Spanish
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- Trademark oppositions in Panama are decided by the commercial courts, not by the registry.
- Use must take place in Panama: since Law 61 of 2012, use means placing goods on the national market or providing services in Panama, and a registration can be cancelled after five consecutive years of non-use.
- The official MICI guidance lists a separate fee for each additional class, and renewal is charged per class.
- Official fees can be paid at Banco Nacional de Panamá or through online banking, and filing is available in person or virtually.
- Panama is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, so marks must be filed directly with DIGERPI.

## FAQ
### Is Panama part of the Madrid Protocol?
No. Panama is not a Madrid Protocol member, so trademarks must be filed directly with DIGERPI.

### How long is the trademark opposition period in Panama?
Third parties have two months from publication in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin to oppose, and oppositions are argued before the commercial courts.

### How long is a trademark registration valid in Panama?
A registration is valid for an initial period of 10 years and must be renewed before it expires to keep protection.

### What are the steps to register a trademark in Panama?
Check availability, identify the Nice class, file the DIGERPI application with proof of fee payment, pass DIGERPI's formal and substantive examination, publication and a two-month opposition period, after which a registration certificate is issued.

### Can I check trademark availability online in Panama?
Yes. DIGERPI's official guidance points to an online availability query on DIGERPI's consultation site.

### Can a Panamanian trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. A registration can be cancelled if the mark has not been used in Panama for more than five consecutive years.

## Sources
- MICI: Instructivo Registro de Marcas (DIGERPI guidance): https://zf.mici.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Instructivo-Registro-de-Marcas-1.pdf
- WIPO Lex – Panamanian appellate judgment of 11 February 2025 on opposition and non-use cancellation: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/zh/text/596925
- WIPO Lex: Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/parties/8
- WIPO Lex – Panama profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/PA
- WIPO Lex – Law No. 35 of 1996 on Industrial Property: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/3387

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