Americas

Colombia

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Colombia.

Authority

SIC — Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

SIC SIPI (Sistema de Información de Propiedad Industrial)

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Colombia
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Colombia

Colombian invention patents are administered by SIC (Superintendence of Industry and Commerce), using a first-to-file system governed by the Andean Community Decision 486 (as amended, 1999) regional IP framework. Colombia joined PCT in 2012 and the Madrid Protocol in the same year. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date.

Patent Filing Routes ▾

1. **Direct national filing with SIC** — Filed in Spanish: 2. **PCT national phase entry** — Colombia became a PCT Contracting State on February 28, 2012; national phase entry deadline is 31 months from priority; 3. Colombia is an Andean Community (CAN) member — CAN Decision 486 provides the regional IP framework, but patents must still be applied for individually in each member state's national office.

Source: SIC; WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (CO); Andean Community

Andean Community (CAN) Framework ▾

Colombia is a member of the Andean Community (CAN), sharing the Decision 486 IP framework with Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. The CAN framework harmonizes basic IP protection standards, but unlike the EU, does not provide cross-border unified registration — each country requires separate filings.

Source: Andean Community (CAN) Decision 486; SIC

Patent Term ▾

Colombian invention patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: SIC; CAN Decision 486

Utility Model ▾

Colombia has a utility model system under the CAN Decision 486 framework, with a shorter term and simpler examination — suitable for simpler technical solutions.

Source: CAN Decision 486; SIC

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Colombia

Colombian trademarks are administered by SIC under the Andean Community Decision 486 framework, using a first-to-file principle. Colombia joined the Madrid Protocol in 2012, enabling Madrid international applications designating Colombia.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾

1. **Direct national application with SIC** — Filed in Spanish; Colombia only; 2. **Madrid System designating CO** — Colombia joined the Madrid Protocol on August 29, 2012 and can be designated.

Source: SIC; WIPO Madrid member information

Registration Term and Renewal ▾

Colombian trademark registrations are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: SIC official website; CAN Decision 486

Trademark Use Requirements ▾

Colombian trademark registrations require genuine local use. Continuous non-use may expose the mark to cancellation proceedings — maintaining use records is advisable.

Source: CAN Decision 486; SIC

Patent Annuity

Colombia Patent Annuities

Colombian patent annuities are paid to SIC on schedule to maintain patent validity. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: SIC official website

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Colombia Trademark Renewals

Colombian trademarks are valid for 10 years. Renewal must be filed with SIC before expiry; late renewal may require additional procedures.

Source: SIC official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Colombia IP

When did Colombia join the PCT? ▾

Colombia became a PCT Contracting State on February 28, 2012. The PCT national phase entry deadline is typically 31 months from the priority date.

Does Colombia support Madrid System trademark applications? ▾

Yes. Colombia joined the Madrid Protocol on August 29, 2012 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.

How does the Andean Community (CAN) affect Colombian IP? ▾

Colombia is a CAN member, and its IP is governed by CAN Decision 486, which harmonizes protection standards for inventions, trademarks, and geographic indications. However, patents and trademarks must be filed separately in each member country's national office — CAN does not provide unified cross-border registration.

How long does a Colombian invention patent last? ▾

20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

How long is a Colombian trademark valid? ▾

10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Does Colombia have utility model protection? ▾

Yes. Colombia has utility model protection under the CAN Decision 486 framework, with a simpler examination procedure than invention patents.

What language is required for Colombian IP filings? ▾

Colombian national applications must be filed in Spanish.

Is a local agent required in Colombia? ▾

Non-residents typically must engage a locally authorized IP agent recognized by SIC to file applications.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

SIC Colombia Official Website www.sic.gov.co WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Colombia (CO) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Colombia www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/ Andean Community (CAN) www.comunidadandina.org

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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