{"id":15506,"date":"2025-09-04T14:22:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/?p=15506"},"modified":"2025-09-04T14:46:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:46:14","slug":"colombian-brand-trademark-registration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/es\/colombian-brand-trademark-registration\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00bfQu\u00e9 tipo de marcas se pueden registrar en Colombia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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If you\u2019re thinking about protecting your Colombian brand and business in Colombia, it\u2019s important to know the types of trademarks you can register and how they work.<\/span><\/p>

Decision 486 of 2000 regulates industrial property in the countries that are part of the Andean Community of Nations, which are: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In Colombia, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) is the entity in charge of managing these registrations.<\/span><\/p>

The good news is that the legislation allows you to protect many different elements, not just words or logos. Let\u2019s go through them one by one.<\/span><\/p>

TRADITIONAL TRADEMARKS:<\/b><\/h1>

Word Mark (Marca Nominativa)<\/b>
<\/b><\/h2>

This trademark consists only of words, letters, or names. It does not include images or graphics; what matters is the text.<\/span>
<\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

  • Coca-Cola<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

  • Pepsi<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

    • Protects your name so no one else can use it for similar products or services.<\/span>

      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

    • Simple to register and very clear for identifying your Colombian brand in the market.<\/span>

      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      Figurative Mark (Marca Figurativa)<\/b><\/h2>


      <\/b> Here the distinctive element is only a graphic design or logo, without text. It\u2019s the perfect option if your product or service is recognized by an image.<\/span>
      <\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

      • Nike\u2019s \u201cswoosh\u201d<\/span>

        \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

      • Apple\u2019s apple<\/span>

        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

        Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

        • Makes your Colombian brand visually recognizable, even without words.<\/span>

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

        • Ideal for companies with strong logos that stand out on their own.<\/span>

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

          Combined Mark (Marca Mixta)<\/b><\/h2>


          <\/b> It\u2019s the combination of words and graphic elements. This type of trademark is very common because it allows you to join name and logo, creating a stronger identity.<\/span>
          <\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

          • Starbucks: the mermaid along with the name<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

          • McDonald\u2019s: the golden arches and the name<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

            Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

            • Reinforces your Colombian brand identity by combining text and image.<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

            • Protects both your company\u2019s logo and name.<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

              NON-TRADITIONAL TRADEMARKS:<\/b><\/h1>

              Three-Dimensional Mark (Marca Tridimensional)<\/b><\/h2>


              <\/b> The three-dimensional mark protects the physical shape of a product or its packaging. It\u2019s not just about what is written or drawn, but about the design that makes the product unique.<\/span>
              <\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

              • The Coca-Cola bottle<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

              • Hatsu tea packaging<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                • Prevents others from copying your product\u2019s shape.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                • Strengthens your Colombian brand\u2019s visual identity in the market.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                • Key for products where packaging is part of the buying experience.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                  Olfactory Mark (Marca Olfativa)<\/b><\/h2>


                  <\/b> This type of mark is based on a distinctive scent that identifies a product or service.<\/span>
                  <\/span> Example:<\/b><\/p>

                  • The smell of \u201cPLAY-DOH\u201d modeling clay (registered in Mexico)<\/span>

                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                    Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                    • Protects unique scents that customers directly associate with your Colombian brand.<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                    • Still uncommon in Colombia, but it can be a powerful differentiator.<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                      Sound Mark (Marca Sonora)<\/b><\/h2>


                      <\/b> Refers to sounds or jingles that identify your company or product.<\/span>
                      <\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

                      • Frisby jingle<\/span>

                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                      • Coordinadora jingle<\/span>

                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                        Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                        • Strengthens your Colombian brand identity through hearing.<\/span>

                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                        • Ideal for advertising campaigns or companies with a presence in audio media.<\/span>

                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                          Color Mark (Marca de Color)<\/b><\/h2>


                          <\/b> Protects specific colors used distinctively to identify a product.<\/span>
                          <\/span> Examples:<\/b><\/p>

                          • The pink of Manzana Postob\u00f3n (Pantone 183C)<\/span>

                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                          • The characteristic green of Milo (Pantone 361C)<\/span>

                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                            Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                            • Prevents competitors from using colors that could confuse consumers.<\/span>

                              \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                            • Very important in industries where colors are part of Colombian brand identity.<\/span>

                              \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                              Animated or Moving Mark (Marca Animada o en Movimiento)<\/b><\/h2>


                              <\/b> Protects sequences of movements or animations that distinguish your brand.<\/span>
                              <\/span> Example:<\/b><\/p>

                              • The moving lines of the Bancolombia logo<\/span>

                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                                • Strengthens your Colombian brand identity in digital or audiovisual media.<\/span>

                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                • Allows you to protect logos that aren\u2019t static.<\/span>

                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                  Tactile Mark (Marca T\u00e1ctil)<\/b><\/h2>


                                  <\/b> This mark is recognized by touch, thanks to a specific shape or texture.<\/span>
                                  <\/span> Example:<\/b><\/p>

                                  • The corrugated texture of the OLD PARR bottle<\/span>

                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                    Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                                    • Differentiates your product from others through the sense of touch.<\/span>

                                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                    • Useful for packaging, luxury products, or sensory experiences.<\/span>

                                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                      Position Mark (Marca de Posici\u00f3n)<\/b><\/h2>


                                      <\/b> Focuses on the specific placement of a logo or graphic element on the product.<\/span>
                                      <\/span> Example:<\/b><\/p>

                                      • The red dot in the center of TEFAL pans<\/span>

                                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                        Why it\u2019s useful:<\/b><\/p>

                                        • Protects the way your Colombian brand is positioned on the product.<\/span>

                                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                        • Prevents others from copying the same distinctive placement.<\/span>

                                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                          Legal considerations<\/b><\/h1>

                                          Regardless of the type of trademark being registered\u2014whether traditional or non-traditional\u2014all must comply with the requirements established in the legislation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                          In this sense, trademarks must be distinctive, non-functional, and not cause confusion with other already registered marks.<\/span><\/p>

                                          The broad classification allows you to protect everything from names and logos to shapes, colors, sounds, and textures, strengthening the identity of your Colombian brand in the market.<\/span><\/p>

                                          Ready to protect your brand in Colombia?<\/b><\/h1>


                                          <\/b>Don\u2019t let someone else take advantage of your idea, logo, or identity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                          At Nexo Legal, we can advise you on registering any type of Colombian brand, ensuring it meets all legal requirements and remains protected against competitors.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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