2026 marks 30 years since the Andorran government launched its Trademark Registry. Since then, and especially after the opening of the Office of Trademarks and Patents of the Principality of Andorra (OMPA) in December 1996, the country has steadily gained prominence as a highly attractive jurisdiction for both domestic and international companies seeking to protect their intangible assets.
Over the past three decades, Andorra has experienced remarkable international growth and significant economic development. Simultaneously, its trademark system and registry have evolved from a traditional administration to a modern, digitalized organization. This anniversary coincides with a particularly significant moment for many rights holders who applied for their trademarks between 1996 and 1997, and whose registrations are now due for renewal.
Trademark registration in Andorra: the beginnings of the OMPA
At 9 a.m. on December 5, 1996, the facilities that would receive the first trademark applications processed by the company opened their doors in the old B&B Club building. Marquis and Patents Office of the Principality of Andorra (hereinafter, OMPA).
The first applications came mainly from Andorran public bodies and international companies particularly concerned with protecting their industrial property. The speed of those initial procedures foreshadowed one of the features that would eventually characterize the Andorran system: streamlined processes and simple, efficient registration management.
Andorran legislation was also developed in accordance with international standards, even though it has not adhered to the Madrid Protocol for the registration of trademarks nor is it a member of the European Union. However, it does apply the Nice Classification (with some modifications) and has a validity period of ten years from the date of application, renewable indefinitely for successive ten-year periods.
From its inception, the Andorran system was well received by international holders, especially companies with interests in Spain and France. The procedure was designed in Catalan, the country's official language, and uses the euro as the currency for paying fees, even though Andorra is not a member of the European Union.
In recent decades, the Principality has established itself as an idyllic environment for business, finance, tourism and trade, which has also resulted in an increase in brand deposits in the country, with an annual increase of over 25%.
What were the first trademarks registered in Andorra?
The first trademarks registered in Andorra had a distinctly institutional character. Thus, applications number 1 and 2 corresponded to the Government of Andorra, Department of Tourism, including the well-known brand «Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees» And its logo, one of the country's longest-running slogans, is a promotional element for its nature, mountain sports, and exclusive commerce.
- Mark number 1 «Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees», Requested on December 5, 1996 at 09:06
- Mark number 2 requested on the same day at 09:18
The third trademark registered in Andorra belonged to Andorrà National Institute of Finances, submitted on December 5, 1996 at 09:34.
Following the aforementioned public entities, and probably out of deference and because of the symbolic nature of the day, even positions 4, 5 and 7 No private or foreign companies arrived. Anheuser-Busch, LLC was careful to present its brands at 10:47, 10:56, and 11:35, respectively, delivering the corresponding forms for its flagship brands to the office.
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Already with him number 15The Spanish hotel group Meliá is requesting its flagship brand GRAN MELIÁ, one of the leading brands in the tourism sector, demonstrating the importance of this sector to the local economy.
How Andorran trademark legislation has evolved
The evolution of the Andorran trademark system did not stop after the opening of the OMPA and the subsequent creation of the Servei de Signes d'Estat, attached to the OMPA, in 1998.
As a result of the modernization and technological development efforts of the last decade, the integration of the Electronic Office and the Transparency Portal are particularly noteworthy, allowing some procedures to be carried out online.
In parallel, during these years, ELZABURU has managed more than 4.000 trademarks in the Principality and has actively participated in leading international publications on industrial property and Andorran trademark law.
Brand renewal in Andorra: why 2026 and 2027 will be key years?
Thirty years after those first applications, many of the trademarks registered between 1996 and 1997 are still valid and will have to face a new renewal cycle between 2026 and 2027.
This aspect has practical importance in terms of the volume of transactions. During the first years of OMPA's operation, very high numbers of applications were recorded, representing one of the largest volumes in its history. Consequently, it is possible to anticipate a significant increase in renewal procedures during the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027, especially for policyholders with large portfolios.
Therefore, it is advisable to review in advance the status of trademarks that expire within the next 18 months and plan renewals appropriately to ensure the continuity of rights.
Cristina ArroyoAssociate Partner and Director of the area of brands abroad in Elzaburu.
