El Salvador experienced an unprecedented surge in trademark registrations in 2023, with a total of 12,879 new distinctive signs used in commercial activities, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Registry Center (CNR), Camilo Trigueros.
These distinctive signs encompass trademarks, names, emblems, and other distinctive symbols, as defined by the Intellectual Property Registry. The Registry also oversees the registration and renewal of copyrights and patents.
Statistical data from the previous year reveals that the 12,879 distinctive signs represent a 3.6% increase, equivalent to 467 more, compared to the 2022 report, which documented 12,412 registrations.
Breaking down the categories, the institution specified that out of the 12,879 new distinctive signs registered by December 31, 2023, a total of 11,273 were trademarks, 1,340 were commercial names and emblems, and 266 belonged to other distinctive signs.
Moreover, renewals also experienced a notable upswing, totaling 9,265 according to the Intellectual Property Registry. This marks a 12.5% increase, with 1,158 more renewals compared to 2022, which concluded with 8,107 renewal transactions.
The entity disclosed that the economic sectors most actively seeking registration and renewal services were gastronomy and food products, constituting 20%, followed by tourism and entertainment with 16%, services with 12%, consumer goods with 7%, and cosmetics and skincare with 5%.
In response to these positive figures, Trigueros attributed the success to two pivotal factors occurring in El Salvador: an effective security plan and an efficient economic policy.
“The fact that businesses and entrepreneurs can now operate in a secure, calm, and opportunistic environment translates into trademark, patent, and copyright applications,” stated the official. He emphasized that the state’s security plan materializes in the creation of new businesses, societies, sales, and brand registrations, reflecting the confidence businesses have in the country.
Within this context, the CNR director highlighted the institution’s achievements over the past five years, including reduced processing times, the ease of digital transactions, and the establishment of the Technology and Innovation Support Centers (CATI) and the Intellectual Property School (EPI). Both institutions serve as advisory bodies, contributing to the creation of new brands.
“In summary, we can proudly say that we successfully closed 2023 with a smile of happiness because we broke records for trademark, patent, and copyright applications,” concluded the official.