Who Can File a Trademark Application in Bhutan?

Any person who claims to be the proprietor of the trademark can file an application for its mark in respect of desired goods/services. The trademark application is required to be filed at the Trademark Registry, Thimphu.

After filing the trademark application, the same is examined by the Trademarks Registry so as to ascertain its inherent registrability and/or any similarity with existing marks. If any objection is raised, an official examination report will be issued by Trademarks Registry. To overcome the objection, it is necessary to file a response to examination report along with the supporting documents showing the marks as used.

If, following examination, the trademark application is considered allowable, acceptance order is issued, and thereafter the trademark is published in the Trademarks Journal. If there are no oppositions filed within 3 months from the date of advertisement in the Trademarks Journal, then the trademark registration certificate is issued.

Trademark registration is a long process and it takes around 12-18 months (depending on the backlog at the trade marks office) to obtain registration in case no opposition has been filed by a third party.