Ingresar
Nicaragua’s small and medium enterprises growing through international cooperation
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
Nicaraguan artisans with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have increased their promotion and trade opportunities through a joint program carried up by the the Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua and the Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Central America. Through an online platform called Artisans de Nicaragua, this local entrepreneurs sell home and decoration products, personal accessories, toys and entertainment products and utility products.Although currently Nicaragua has the one of the lowest rate of internet access in Central America, based on estimates by the Nicaraguan Internet and Telecommunications Chamber (CANITEL), a higher number of Nicaraguans have internet data plans connected to their cellular phone. Also, on the last years there has been an accelerated growth in the volume of income from online sales. Social media is active and growing, with Facebook dominating the market: Facebook’s penetration rate in Nicaragua grew 42 percent from 2016 (1.9 million users) to 2019 (2.7 million users).
“Switzerland is represented in Nicaragua with a Cooperation Office in Managua, a presence that manifests its strong commitment to the region. Development cooperation is the main pillar of Switzerland’s bilateral relations with Nicaragua, with trade increasing,” stated the Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Central America in a press release.
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.
