General Communication - COVID-19. Honduras and El Salvador

By Mayora IP

Dear Clients:

We wish that this communication finds you in good health, as well as your families and teams.

Please review the following updated information:

Honduras

A mandatory general closure has recently been announced until Sunday, May 17th, 2020.

The Honduran Trademark and Patent Office (PTO) continues to be closed. Therefore, all deadlines are in suspension.

Notwithstanding, The PTO has recently announced that as from April 27th, 2020, it has begun to function in a limited manner, receiving only new trademark applications electronically.

It is important to emphasize that any resolution which triggers a legal term and affects third parties’ rights remain suspended until further notice. The computation of deadlines, all remain legally suspended, all of which will be resumed as from the next business day following the government´s decision to end the public emergency legal status.

El Salvador

The Intellectual Property Registry (PTO) remains close to the public until further notice. Currently, the PTO has an online system, which only allows for:

- Requesting Trademark Search;
- Ownership Search;
- Request Reports;
- Certifications and Copies.

The activities related to filing new trademarks, post – registry proceedings, opposition, and all other activities remain suspended until further notice.

The Supreme Court of Justice has reported that Criminal courts and certain district courts remain open; constitutional matters regarding unconstitutionality issues and habeas corpus, is maintained.

Regarding the computation of the judicial and administrative terms and deadlines, 36/5000 the Legislative Assembly has approved an extension to the suspension of deadlines for 15 days, extendable if necessary, as from May 2nd, 2020, until May 16, 2020.

We reiterate that you may continue to count on our professional support, addressing all matters efficiently.

You can continue to contact our lawyers directly at their personal email or at the following addresses: info@mayoraip.com and ip@mayora-mayora.com, who will remain available to redirect your requests to the appropriate practice group.

We will continue monitoring the situation and will keep you posted of any developments.