The registration of service marks became possible in Suriname on October 9, 2026, following amendments to the Industrial Property Regulation of Suriname 1912 (S.B. 2026 No. 107). Previously, trademark registration was confined to marks covering goods. Businesses providing services could not obtain registration specifically for those services and, in practice, sometimes sought protection through registrations in related goods classes or relied on other legal remedies.
The amended legislation expressly provides for the registration of service marks. Applications may now be filed with the Bureau for Intellectual Property in the relevant service classes under the international classification system. The existing statutory provisions governing trademark registration, examination and refusal also apply to service marks.
Transitional Provisions
The amendments include a nine-month transitional arrangement for owners of existing trademark registrations and pending applications. Under Article II of the amending legislation, owners of registrations in force on October 9, 2026, and applicants with applications pending on that date may request the addition of relevant service classes to their existing registrations or applications.
The arrangement is intended to accommodate trademark owners who were previously unable to obtain registration for services, notwithstanding their use of the mark in connection with those services in Suriname.
An extension requires evidence of actual use of the mark in Suriname in connection with the services concerned. Such evidence may include invoices, service agreements or other commercial records demonstrating the provision of services under the mark.
A registration covering goods does not, in itself, establish entitlement to an extension. The applicant must demonstrate that the requirements of the transitional provisions have been met.
Retention of the Original Date
Where the statutory conditions are satisfied, the existing registration or pending application may retain its original filing or registration date following the addition of the relevant service classes. This distinguishes the transitional procedure from an ordinary new application and may be relevant when assessing the position of existing trademark owners in relation to subsequent applicants or competing rights.
Trademark owners should therefore consider whether their existing registrations or pending applications qualify for an extension before filing separate applications for the same services.
Transitional Deadline
The transitional period commenced on October 9, 2026, and expires on July 9, 2027. Requests under the transitional provisions must be made within the prescribed period. Trademark owners should allow sufficient time to identify the relevant service classes and assemble supporting evidence of use in Suriname.
After the transitional period, service mark applications may still be filed under the ordinary registration procedure. The special arrangement for extending existing registrations or pending applications while retaining their original dates will, however, no longer be available.
Assistance
Sjiem Fat & Mahabir advises and represents domestic and international clients in trademark matters in Suriname. We assist with service mark applications, the assessment of existing registrations and pending applications, and requests under the transitional provisions, including the preparation of supporting evidence.
Should you require assistance, please feel free to contact us.
