Service companies that operate in or have interests in the Caribbean now have a new opportunity to strengthen the protection of their trademarks in the region.
What Has Changed Regarding Trademark Registration for Services in Suriname
The Surinamese government has opened trademark registration to services, adopting the Nice International Classification. Until now, only trademarks for products could be registered, which left many businesses—whose value lies precisely in the provision of services—without specific protection.
The reform is particularly relevant for sectors such as tourism and hospitality, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, booking platforms, leisure and entertainment companies, the restaurant industry, and digital services.
Transitional Provisions: Deadline for Extending Trademarks Until July 8, 2027
Although the measure has just taken effect and many practical details still need to be worked out, our local colleagues have already confirmed the existence of a particularly favorable transitional regime for owners of registered trademarks for products that have been used in the marketplace to identify services.
Specifically, it is noted that these registrants have until July 8, 2027, to request an extension of their registrations to cover the relevant services, thereby taking advantage of a unique opportunity to align their registration rights with the reality of their business operations.
Currently, the official cost of this extension is equivalent to that of a new application. However, the authorities have already announced their intention to raise the fees, so it is advisable to explore the available options before this increase takes effect—an increase that, incidentally, remains uncertain.
How to Prove Use of a Trademark for Services
Furthermore, everything indicates that trademark owners who wish to avail themselves of this transitional regime will be required to prove use of the trademark for the services for which they seek protection. Although specific guidelines on admissible evidence have not yet been published, it is reasonable to assume that documents similar to those accepted in other jurisdictions may be submitted, such as invoices, promotional materials, websites, or other evidence demonstrating the actual use of the trademark in connection with the relevant services.
Suriname in the International Trademark Protection Strategy
This development may be of particular interest to companies that already operate in the Caribbean region and wish to strengthen their position in a market where, until now, trademark protection for services was not available. And they had to make do with what they had.
Therefore, we recommend reviewing the trademarks currently registered in Suriname and considering both the extension of existing rights and the filing of new applications, especially given the transitional period—which, in principle, runs through July 8, 2027 —and the expected increase in official fees.
At ELZABURU, we can review trademarks already registered in Suriname and evaluate the possibility of extending their coverage to services, as well as analyze whether this territory should be included in an international trademark protection strategy, taking into account the needs and business activities of each company.
Cristina Arroyo, Director of International Brands at ELZABURU.