The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has issued a resolution setting the official rates for services related to Industrial Property for 2027. The new rates have sparked concern among users of the system, who are already facing delays and questionable decisions.
Impact on Users
The increased rates will be felt by all users of the system, but particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises (MIPYMES), which are already struggling to afford the costs of registering and maintaining their intellectual property rights. They are concerned that the higher costs will limit their ability to access the system and protect their intellectual property.
Despite offering some discounts, particularly for MIPYMES, the SIC’s official rates are among the highest in Latin America for trademark registration.
Expectations of Quality and Efficiency
The SIC’s official rates are not just a matter of cost, but also of the quality and efficiency of the services provided. Users of the system expect a high level of technical expertise in the processing of their applications, particularly given the SIC’s past improvements in understanding the subject matter and processing times.
A Call to Action
Given the increase in official rates, users of the system are advised to take action now to register and maintain their intellectual property rights, rather than waiting until 2027. The 6.8% increase, combined with other anticipated increases, will make it even more costly to access the system in the future. It is essential for users to plan ahead and take proactive steps to protect their intellectual property rights.
As someone who has used the system for 20 years, I can attest that the SIC’s services have been improving over time, with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and faster processing times. However, the current state of the system is alarming, with delays and questionable decisions becoming more frequent. The increase in official rates for 2027, with some services seeing a rise of 6.8%, such as the cost of a trademark application in one class increasing from $1,348,500 to $1,441,000, and the cost of canceling a trademark registration for non-use rising from $2,687,000 to $2,871,500, is a significant concern. It is key for the SIC to return to its previous standards of quality and efficiency.
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