CAFTA-DR will be revised in the next years

CAFTA-DR will be revised in the next years
The Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will be revised in the next few years, according to Mario Arana, general manager of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua (APEN). "This review will focus on aspects such as the modernization of the agreement, and not necessarily focus on renegotiating agreements already established", Arana said during a presentation to union representatives from all over the country.

The CAFTA-DR entered into force in Nicaragua 11 years ago and the country currently has a commercial surplus in its exchange with the United States. According to La Prensa, foreign trade specialists have pointed out at different times that there is no risk that a possible revision of the agreement will affect trade relations between the two nations.

"It's all about adding. Now there are topics that were not in the original discussed topics of the agreement and that are relevant because the world has changed. Like the new technologies that now exist and that did not existed ten years ago", added Arana, who said that among the new topics to be discussed are Intellectual Property rights.

Today, each member country of the agreement must provide protection for trademarks and geographical indications, including protecting preexisting trademarks against infringement by later geographical indications; efficient and transparent procedures governing the application for protection of marks and geographical indications; and copyright protection for the life of the author plus 70 years (for works measured by a person's life), or 70 years (for corporate works).

The CAFTA-DR constitutes the first free trade agreement between the United States and a small group of developing countries. It was created with the purpose of creating new and better economic opportunities by opening markets, eliminating tariffs, reducing barriers to services, and more. 
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados

GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.

The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.

Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.

We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.

Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.

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