What is the process like for Industrial Designs in Panama?

The process for a registration begins with the presentation of a claim before the office of trademarks and patents.  They will undertake a study of the claim, if the claim is complete and in order it will be published in the Gazette of Intellectual Property so that third parties that believe the registration will affect their rights have a chance to oppose.

In the event that the search report is not requested, the claim will be declared abandoned

Once the period for presenting oppositions has ended, the office of trademarks and patents will undertake an in depth study as to whether to grant or deny the registration of the design.  If we do not agree with the decision, we should present resources of reconsideration and appeal.

What events can occur during the process?

Requirement of Information: If the Patent and Trademark Office considers that they have insufficient or incorrect information or a missing document for the claim, they will require more information.  If the response is not satisfactory, the claim will be abandoned.

Oppositions: If the clam is complete, the Patent and Trademark Office will make it public.  In this manner, those third parties that consider themselves affected can oppose. 

Declared Abandoned: In the event that a satisfactory response to a requirement is not given, or if a search report is not requested within the established time, the claim will be declared abandoned.

Negation: If the Patent and Trademark Office considers that the design does not meat with the registrability requirements, it will be denied.