An overview of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation with 1340km long coastline located in the Indian Ocean. The country has an area of about 65,610 km2, of which 64,740 km of land and 870 km of sea. With a population of about 20 million people, Sri Lanka is a relatively hot tropical country due to the main influence of monsoons from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Economically, Sri Lanka is still an agricultural country but nearly 50% of the workforce grows rice for domestic consumption and tea for export. The potential for economic growth in Sri Lanka is enormous. However, foreign businesses have not yet focused on market development investment. Besides, service development and trademark registration in Sri Lanka have not really been promoted yet and have not yet received the attention of investors.
To better understand the trademark registration process in Sri Lanka, it is important to understand the pre-registration procedures.
Principles of trademark registration in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, registration is required in order to be granted trademark rights, since this jurisdiction is “First to File”. However, in exceptional cases, well-known trademarks may be protected even if they have not been filed
Documents needed
- Power of attorney designated by the applicant for trademark registration
- Profile required registration
- Name and address of the applicant and postal address in Sri Lanka if the applicant resides abroad
- 5 copies of the trademark
- A complete list of specific goods or services and an indication of the international classification
Trademark registration process in Sri Lanka
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Look up trademarks
Trademark search will be conducted at the National Office of Intellectual Property to determine similarities with other trademarks that have been registered or awaiting registration.
The Classification of Goods and Services, Nice provides International Certification for goods and services. All trademarks are registered in this classification based on the nature of the goods and services that the mark protects.
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Submit a trademark application
The application must be accompanied by two 10 cm x 10cm branding copies together with the application fee.
Trademark applications must be filed at the Sri Lanka National Intellectual Property Office
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Appraisal of the application
An application check will be conducted to determine whether the mark complies with the content and form requirements. Through that will proceed to accept registration.
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Publication of the application
If the registry is satisfied with the mark, the application will be published in the Government gazette.
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Granting protection titles
After 3 months from the date of publication of the application, if there is no objection, the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka will issue a Certificate of Registration, clearly stating the trademark is registered and put into effect from the date of application.