New Intellectual Property Law in El Salvador

Romero Pineda

We want you to stay well-informed, which is why we present 12 key points about the new Intellectual Property Law in El Salvador (Legislative Decree No. 66, published on August 15, 2024, and set to take effect in February 2025)This law consists of five books that consolidate the new legal framework for Intellectual Property (IP) in El Salvador.

1-Creation of the Salvadoran Institute of Intellectual Property (ISPI):This agency will oversee the administration, supervision, and regulation of Intellectual Property in the country, including mediation in collective management disputes.

2-Intellectual Property Bulletin: An electronic bulletin managed by ISPI will be implemented to provide information on registrations and other Intellectual Property-related matters.

3-Validation of Electronic Documents in Contracts:Assignment or license contracts for rights can be signed electronically using certified electronic signatures or methods ensuring the parties' intent, in addition to traditional public documents.

4-Expansion of Non-Traditional Trademarks: New categories such as taste, relief, and texture trademarks are incorporated. Advertising expressions and trade names must now be renewed every ten years.

5-Prohibition on Registering Distinctive Signs Without Domain Authorization: The registration of distinctive signs imitating or reproducing an internet domain name without authorization will not be allowed. Cybersquatting involving distinctive signs, works, or other rights is also prohibited.

6-Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: ISPI will encourage resolving Intellectual Property disputes through alternative methods such as mediation and conciliation, alongside arbitration, enabling faster and more accessible resolutions.

7-Cancellation for Generic Use of Trademarks: Trademarks that become generic names for the goods or services they represent may be subject to cancellation.

8-Adoption of the "Bolar Exception" for Patents: This exception limits the patent holder’s right to prevent the importation of an invention for obtaining health registrations before the patent expires.

9-Modified Terms for Certain Intellectual Property Assets: a)Las expresiones publicitarias, nombres comerciales y emblemas tendrán ahora una vigencia de 10 años, renovable con prueba de uso efectivo para los nombres comerciales. b) La protección para diseños industriales se extiende a 15 años, con pagos quinquenales requeridos.

10-Reinstatement of Expired Patents: A six-month grace period is granted to reinstate patents, utility models, and industrial designs expired due to non-payment.

11-Benefits for SMEs and the Culture, Education, and Research Sectors: Registration fees are reduced by up to 50% and fully waived for formal education institutions starting August 31, 2024.

12-Adaptation of Works for Accessibility: The law permits adapting, reproducing, and distributing works in accessible formats for persons with disabilities, facilitating their access to copyrighted materials.

This law aims to strengthen the protection of Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property rights, encourage creativity, and support economic growth in in El Salvador. Scan the following code to download the full text of the law: