COVID-19 / Honduras Updated Info

By Bufete Mejía & Asociados

What is the status of mandatory closure in the public offices?

The Intellectual Property Office has been closed since March 16th, 2020. Currently, the Honduran government has ordered the extension of the obligatory quarantine until July 12th, 2020. Please note this date may be subject to change. Limited On Line services are available.

Have all deadlines been suspended during the mandatory closure / quarantine?

All deadlines and due dates during this period will be extended until the Intellectual Property Office resumes its operations, or possibly until the next business day thereof. In case of any changes, we will inform you in a timely manner.

Can applications be filed with simple copies? Are originals needed for later filing? Have the terms for doing so been extended?

We can file applications as de facto agents, which would grant us a 30-business day period to file the POA document. According to the Intellectual Property Law, the filing of original documents is mandatory, however, we are currently standing by for the Trademark Office’s official stance in regards to the filing of simple copies or printed copies of the corresponding documentation. For the time being, due to the current situation, we consider that the terms for filing documents are currently on hold. According to indications received by the Director of the Honduran Trademark Office, a 90 business day period will be granted for the filing of the documentation. Said period will begin once the aforementioned offices resumes normal operations.

Can applications and documentation be submitted online?

The Honduran Trademark & Patent Office has implemented an online system for trademark applications and renewals, which is working irrespective of the quarantine ordered. Starting June 2nd the admittance of new Patent Applications and Trademark Recordals (Annuities, Rehabilitations, Assignment, Change of Name, Merger etc.) was allowed. Trademark searches are available to be carried out by digital means as of june 10th.

Have the deadlines to file an opposition / reply to an objection been extended? If so, what are the new deadlines?

Yes. Due to the current situation, we consider that the terms for filing documents are currently on hold. According to indications received by the Director of the Honduran Trademark Office, a 90 business day period will be granted for the filing of the documentation. Said period will begin once the aforementioned offices resumes normal operations.

Have the deadlines to file pending documentation regarding a litigation procedure (i.e. power of attorney, means of proof, affidavits) also been extended?

Yes.

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