President Bukele’s Intellectual Property Reform Comes Into Force.

 The Executive Director of the National Registry Center (CNR), Camilo Trigueros, has announced that El Salvador’s new Intellectual Property Law officially came into effect this Monday, February 17. The law, promoted by President Nayib Bukele, replaces the previous regulations that had been repealed since August 2024.

“This new legislation simplifies several aspects of intellectual property. Previously, our regulations were scattered across multiple laws, making it difficult to process applications and leverage intellectual property for economic benefits. Now, all aspects are consolidated into a single law,” Trigueros stated in a televised interview.

The new law aims to protect innovation and creativity while facilitating the dissemination of information, knowledge, technology, culture, and the arts. Additionally, it prioritizes the direct benefits of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, and innovators, ensuring broader accessibility to intellectual property rights.

Trigueros also highlighted that registration procedures have been simplified and made more affordable, particularly for trademark registrations—the most in-demand service. Entrepreneurs can now complete the process online, with their applications being published electronically through the institution’s official bulletin.

“This is part of the improvements and advancements we are making as an institution,” Trigueros emphasized.

Furthermore, the law establishes the Salvadoran Institute of Intellectual Property (ISPI), which will be responsible for managing applications and mediating disputes related to intellectual property rights.

With this reform, El Salvador seeks to modernize and streamline its intellectual property framework, fostering a more efficient and business-friendly environment.