The short answer
Under the Intellectual Property Law (Decree No. 66 of 2024), a trademark registration lasts ten years from the date of its entry (inscripción) and can be renewed for equal periods, during its validity or within a six-month grace period after expiry with a late fee. Opposition is open for two months after electronic publication in the Bulletin, and a mark not used for five consecutive years can be cancelled by a judge.
Trademark deadlines in El Salvador at a glance
These rules come from the Intellectual Property Law of El Salvador (approved by Decree No. 66, 2024), read in the official Spanish text on WIPO Lex, which we have translated. Fees are set by the Law and regulations, so we confirm them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | Ten years from the date of entry (inscripción) of the registration, renewable for equal periods (Article 134). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The date of entry (inscripción) of the registration, not the filing date (Article 134). |
| When can I renew? | The owner can request renewal during the validity of the registration. The mark cannot be changed and the list of goods cannot be extended at renewal, though it can be reduced or limited (Articles 134 and 135). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. The owner can also request renewal within a grace period of six months starting the day after the registration expires, paying the fee for late filing (Article 134). |
| Opposition period | During the two months following electronic publication in the Bulletin, any person with a legitimate interest can object to the application and oppose registration, for example because the sign falls under the prohibitions in Articles 111 and 112 or may confuse the public with an earlier mark (Article 122). |
| Reply to an office action | If an opposition is upheld and not appealed, the application is archived. If it is dismissed and final, the mark is registered. If there is no opposition, the Institute registers the mark and the applicant pays the fee (Article 124). |
| Priority claim | Priority applies to applicants who filed in a Paris Convention state or a reciprocal country, and to Salvadoran nationals or persons domiciled in such a state (Article 109). |
| Non-use | If a mark is not used in El Salvador for five consecutive years, any person with a proven legitimate interest can ask the competent judge to cancel it, after a hearing of the owner. No request can be made during the five years after registration. Non-use can also be used as a defence in opposition, nullity and infringement cases (Articles 147 and 149). |
| Assignment | Post-registration procedures include correction, limitation, division, renewal, transfer, licence, change of name or address, voluntary or judicial cancellation, and entry of precautionary notes (Article 131). |
Who can register a trademark in El Salvador
The application is filed in writing, physically or electronically, with the Institute, with the applicant's details and, where an attorney acts, proof of authority (Article 113).
Representation. The application states the name and address of the legal representative or attorney when one acts, with proof of authority (Article 113(b)). We act as your attorney.
Trademark registration process in El Salvador
Search
- Search the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador, through your Salvadoran attorney.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After electronic publication in the Bulletin, any person with a legitimate interest can oppose within two months (Article 122).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
El Salvador trademark validity and renewal
- A registration lasts ten years from the date of entry.
- Renew during validity or within six months after expiry with a late fee.
- No changes or wider goods at renewal.
- Use the mark in El Salvador to avoid cancellation after five consecutive years.
Diarise ten years from the entry date shown on the certificate.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Salvadoran trademark
Division
Any time
The owner can ask at any time to divide the registration, keeping the original date (Article 133).
Licence
Recorded
A licence is entered on application with the licence document (Article 140).
Name or address
Margin note
A change of name or address is entered as a marginal note (Article 142).
Voluntary cancellation
On request
The owner can cancel the registration voluntarily (Article 143).
Non-use and cancellation of a Salvadoran trademark
A judge can cancel a trademark after five consecutive years of non-use, on request of an interested person and after hearing the owner. The same non-use can be raised as a defence (Articles 147 and 149).
Keep dated proof of use in El Salvador: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in El Salvador
Search the Intellectual Property Registry database and the Bulletin for the application, publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Intellectual Property Law of El Salvador (Decree No. 66, 2024), official Spanish text on WIPO Lex (translated by us): Articles 109, 113, 122, 124, 131, 133 to 135, 140, 142, 143, 147 and 149.
- The Registry for fees, forms and the current procedure.
El Salvador trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in El Salvador, and from when?
Ten years from the date of entry (inscripción) of the registration, renewable for equal periods (Article 134). It counts from the date of entry (Article 134).
When should I renew a Salvadoran trademark, and is there a grace period?
The owner can request renewal during the validity of the registration. The mark cannot be changed and the list of goods cannot be extended at renewal, though it can be reduced or limited (Articles 134 and 135).
What is the opposition period in El Salvador?
During the two months following electronic publication in the Bulletin, any person with a legitimate interest can object to the application and oppose registration, for example because the sign falls under the prohibitions in Articles 111 and 112 or may confuse the public with an earlier mark (Article 122).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in El Salvador?
The official fee is set by the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in El Salvador?
Yes. A foreign company can register a trademark in El Salvador, normally through a Salvadoran attorney. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Salvadoran trademark?
Post-registration procedures include correction, limitation, division, renewal, transfer, licence, change of name or address, voluntary or judicial cancellation, and entry of precautionary notes (Article 131).
Can a Salvadoran trademark be cancelled for non-use?
If a mark is not used in El Salvador for five consecutive years, any person with a proven legitimate interest can ask the competent judge to cancel it, after a hearing of the owner. No request can be made during the five years after registration. Non-use can also be used as a defence in opposition, nullity and infringement cases (Articles 147 and 149).
How can I check the status of a Salvadoran trademark?
Use the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Priority applies to applicants who filed in a Paris Convention state or a reciprocal country, and to Salvadoran nationals or persons domiciled in such a state (Article 109).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Center for Registries (CNR) and its Intellectual Property Registry in El Salvador so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in El Salvador
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Salvadoran deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
