中国对流体商标和广告宣传口号的保护

李亚莉 北京康信知识产权代理有限责任公司

戴国琛北京康信知识产权代理有限责任公司

作为推广产品和传播经营文化与理念的一种创新方式，流体商标日渐受到欢迎。为了吸引和留住客户，流体商标使得商标专用权人能够对其注册商标做出重大和持续性的改变。通过这些创造性的改变，商标专用权人可以强化其品牌和消费者之间的联系。

实践中，世界上最引人注目的流体商标是“谷歌涂鸦”。谷歌几乎每天都改变其主页上的商标；但人们仍然可以识别出变动的标志是“Google”商标。（见图1）

图一

在中国，这一使用流体商标的做法也被中国领先的搜索引擎百度（见图2）和中国最受欢迎的在线聊天论坛QQ（见图3）等在线运营商所采纳。

流体商标的注册和保护成为一个有争议的法律问题。我国实行商标在先申请制度，而非在先使用制度。在国内企业和监管机关看来，流体商标在商业中的使用是一个相对较新的概念，我国流体商标的保护方面存在着灰色地带。

法律基础

尽管根据我国《商标法》流体商标不具有法律地位，但以下法律规定，只要注册商标的变体不损害基础商标的显著性，商标专用权人可以使用其基础商标的变体而无需担心其已注册的基础商标被撤销。

《商标法》（20xx年）第9条、第44条和第52条；《商标法实施条例》（20xx年）第39条；《最高人民法院关于审理商标授权确权行政案件若干问题的意见》（20xx年）第20条；《最高人民法院关于审理商标民事纠纷案件适用法律若干问题的解释》（20xx年）第9条；《著作权法》（20xx年）第2条；《著作权法实施条例》（20xx年）第6条。商标注册：流体商标的可行性《商标法》第9条规定，申请注册的商标，应当有显著特征，便于识别，并不得与他人在先取得的合法权利相冲突。但是，根据中国工商行政总局商标局（以下简称商标局）颁布的的审查标准，如果同一申请人对其注册商标的变体提出商标注册申请，即使该注册商标的变体与该注册商标专用权人的在先申请或在先注册的商标类似，商标局仍然可以对该注册商标的变体予以核准注册。

商标使用：最高院和商标局之间的分歧

《商标法》第44条第1项规定，对于商标核准注册后未经授权自行改变注册商标的行为，商标局应当责令限期改正或撤销注册商标。这一规定表明，商标注册人必须严格按照核准注册的商标进行使用，而这直接导致注册商标的变体不可能获得注册。

此外，根据第44条第4项，对于连续三年停止使用的注册商标可能面临他人提出的有关不使用注册商标的质疑或注册商标被撤销的风险。如果商标专用权人无法提供相应的商标使用证据，商标局将按照利害关系人的要求做出撤销注册商标的决定。换句话说，如果商标

专用权人没有严格按照核准注册的商标进行使用，而是使用其注册商标的变体，则其注册商标在核准注册的三年后将可能因其不使用而面临他人提出的撤销商标注册的申请。最高人民法院在20xx年发布了《最高人民法院关于审理商标授权确权行政案件若干问题的意见》（以下简称《意见》），根据《意见》的规定，使用静态商标的原则是灵活的。在《意见》中，最高人民法院规定“实际使用的商标与核准注册的商标虽有细微差别，但未改变其显著特征的，可以视为注册商标的使用。”这一观点为商标专用权人保留对其注册商标的权利留下了空间，而其前提是注册商标的变体不改变注册商标的显著特征。确立上述观点的主要原因并不是为了保护流体商标不受侵害，而是为了给法院就如何适用《商标法》第44条有关商标使用的规定提供法律依据。然而，上述观点并未明确“细微差别”的含义。由于最高人民法院和商标局、商标评审委员会（以下简称商评委）以及地方工商行政管理部门之间存在的分歧，对上述问题的解释可能有所不同。这些不同的解释使商标专用权人在面对未注册的商标变体是否与其注册商标具有同等法律地位的问上处于两难境地。司法判决具有终局法律效力，这意味着权利专用权人既可以通过商标行政程序也可以通过司法程序来获得对自己有利的结果。

在VERSUS一案中，商标局和商评委认为“VERSUS”与“VERSAS ITA”商标是不同的，因为“VERSAS ITA”包含三个额外的英文字母，而引证商标“VERSUS”则具有固定含义。但是，在该案的二审中，最高人民法院认为商标局和商评委提到的因素不足以对两件商标进行区分，而且相关公众也很难区分两件商标，因此最高人民法院认为这两件商标构成类似商标（见图4）。

商标侵权：相同或近似商标的认定

根据《商标法》第52条的规定，在同一种商品或者类似商品上使用与他人注册商标相同或者近似的商标的行为构成商标侵权。《最高人民法院关于审理商标民事纠纷案件适用法律若干问题的解释》第9条认为，如果被控侵权的商标与注册商标相比较，在视觉上基本无差别，则二者属于“相同”的商标。另外，该条款认为，如果被控侵权的商标与注册商标相比较，包含以下任何一项要素且容易使相关公众对商品的来源产生误认或者错误地认为其来源与使用注册商标的产品有特定的联系，则二者属于“近似”的商标：包含在各自商标中的文字的字形、读音、含义；包含在各自商标中的图形的构图及颜色；包含在各自商标中的立体形状或颜色组合；以上各要素的组合。

此外，在民事诉讼中，如果引证商标是驰名商标，并且法院认为被控侵权商标与引证商标近似，那么法院会以更宽泛的标准进行类似商品的判断。对近似商标的认定在民事诉讼中至关重要，因为这意味着使用注册商标变体的行为可能被视为是在类似商品上使用近似商标的行为，从而构成商标侵权。在中国，“SNOW”是用于啤酒产品上的驰名商标。在SNOW商标侵权案中，被告在相同产品上使用了“W!NSNOW”商标（见图5）。法院认为两件商标近似，因为“W!n”不是一个英文单词，一般消费者通常不会从中解读出任何含义。因此，法院将“snow”视为该商标最具有显著特征的部分，并认为被告使用W!NSNOW作为其啤酒产品商标的行为侵犯了原告的商标权。

该案表明，即使在注册商标的变体没有注册的情况下，只要该注册商标的变体没有对该注册商标的显著特征进行更改，那么该注册商标的不

同变体仍然可以基于它们与注册商标的联系而获得保护。只要注册商标的变体与注册商标具有相同的显著特征，那么他人既不能注册也不能使用该注册商标的变体。

广告宣传口号的保护途径

为了传达经营理念、树立企业形象，广告宣传口号在企业的市场营销和产品推广中得到广泛应用。广告宣传口号的商标注册审查标准非常严格，其必须具有显著特征，并且不应使用通用语句。商标局发布的审查标准规定，“独创且非流行的或者与其他要素组合而整体具有显著特征的[短语或句子]”可以被注册为广告宣传口号商标。此外，

根据商标局的审查标准，非独创性的表示商品或服务特点的短语或句子因缺乏显著特征而不能被注册为广告宣传口号商标。因此，广告宣传口号必须具有独创性，而且不应当是对商品或服务特点进行描述的或已经具有普遍性的短语或句子。上述审查标准为认定广告宣传口号的独创性设置了较高的门槛，从而极大提高了广告宣传口号商标在中国获得注册的难度。

在商标行政执法实践中，即使商标局在实质审查阶段驳回了对一条广告宣传口号的商标注册申请，申请人仍然有机会在驳回复审程序中通过向商评委提交有关使用该广告宣传口号的证据来证明其广告宣传口号的显著特征。随后，该申请有可能获得商评委的支持。例如，以下广告宣传口号的商标申请曾遭到商标局的驳回，但在驳回复审阶段获得了商评委的核准注册：在第9类（录音器具）商品上申请注册的“Makes people listen”（中文含义为“使人们倾听”）；在第11类（电灯）商品上申请注册的“Empowered by innovation” （中文含义为“通过革新获得可能”）；以及在第32类（啤酒）商品上申请注册的“One world, one game, one beer” （中文含义为“同一个世界、同一场比赛、同一种啤酒”）。一条广告宣传口号可能在一类商品或服务上获得商标注册，而在其他类别的商品或服务上被驳回商标注册申请。“Share moment, share life”（中文含义为“分享瞬间，分享生活”）这一广告宣传口号商标被核准注册在第40类（照相底片冲洗）服务上，但是其对第1类（相纸）商品上的商标注册申请则由于其缺乏针对此类商品的显著特征而被驳回。

此外，著作权是保护流体商标或广告宣传口号的另一种途径。未注册的商标变体或广告宣传口号可以受到著作权法的保护，而无需满足持续使用的要求。与商标注册相比，著作权登记更加便捷并且无需实质性审查。

“作品”是指文学、艺术和科学领域内具有独创性并能以有形形式复制的智力成果。“文学作品”是指以文字形式表现的作品，而不论其长度或格式。只要具有独创性的作品就可以受到著作权法的保护。只要注册商标的变体或广告宣传口号具有独创性，在原则上，它们并未排除在著作权的保护之外。但是，著作权法并未明确定义何为“独创性”。

一般而言，受到著作权保护的作品必须具有独创性和个性化特征，并且是独立创作而非剽窃的结果。

第二篇：针对中国出口企业的国际商标保护

Measures to Respond to Preemptive Registrations in Latin America

在南美遭遇商标抢注的应对措施

INTRODUCTION 简介

In present times business is conducted in a global context.

Although big companies are always international players, with the increasing presence of the Internet, every day more medium and small size businesses than ever before are looking beyond the borders, too.

在当今时代，贸易是在全球范围内进行的。尽管大企业总是国际舞台的主角，但是随着网络的快速发展，每天都有许多中小型企业试图进入国际市场。

China has three of the world's top four container ports. Hong Kong is second only to Singapore; Shanghai is number three and Shenzhen number four(1). It means China have huge exports; actually, in 2007 they represented 5.9% of the world's exports(2). 世界四大集装箱港口中，中国有三个，香港仅次于新加坡排第二，上海排第三，深圳排第四。这些都说明了中国是个大型出口国，事实上，在20xx年，中国的出口总量占世界的5.9%

By the end of 2007, more than 5,000 domestic Chinese enterprises had established direct investments in 172 countries and regions around the world(4). 截止20xx年，中国有超过5000家国内企业在世界172个国家和地区进行投资。 As Latin American emerging economies keep expanding and liberalizing many of their key sectors, the Chinese rapidly growing-private sector is seeking new opportunities to enter these markets to sell almost every imaginable product: machinery, electrical products, data processing equipment, apparel, textile, steel, mobile phones, etc.

随着南美地区经济的迅速发展和许多国家重点行业的开放，中国迅速发展的私营企业正在寻找机会进入南美市场，销售所有可以想到的商品，如，机械、电子产品、数据处理装置、服饰、纺织品、钢铁和手机等。

Global Trademark Protection for Chinese Corporations ?going out? 针对中国出口企业的国际商标保护

The protection of their trademarks is now becoming a priority for many Chinese companies operating or selling outside of China. While China exports to Latin American countries continue to grow, more an more Chinese companies have questions about how to succeed in protecting their IP there.

对于在国外生产或产品外销的中国企业来说，如何保护他们的商标显得尤为重

要了。随着中国企业向南美国家出口数量的继续增加，越来越多的中国企业希望知道怎样在南美地区成功的注册商标。

Although Latin American Intellectual Property (IP) legal frameworks have experienced notable improvements, there are still places where IP enforcement is not strong enough. Chinese companies should develop realistic strategies for placing their trademarks on the safe side before they start selling a product or service outside of China, especially in Latin America, where filing earlier is usually much cheaper than challenging a preemptive registration later.

尽管南美知识产权的法律体制有了显著提高，但是有的地方仍然存在知识产权 执法力度不大的问题。为安全起见，中国企业必须在向国外销售产品或服务时实施切实可行的策略，特别在南美国家。早期注册一般要比后期遇到抢注时花费少得多。

The first choice for Chinese companies should be to file applications in China, of course; but trademark rights are territorial so, even if they are registered in China, their protection in the new market should be regarded as one of the most important steps that a business should take.

对中国企业来说，首先，当然是应该在国内申请注册，但是因为商标所有权有地域性，尽管在中国注册了商标，但对销往新市场商品的保护仍然是进行贸易的第一步。

Sometimes, Chinese companies seek legal assistance in prosecuting trademark cases in Latin America, without even having a trademark registered in these countries, because they never thought they needed to register anything there. However, waiting until the company's product succeeds in Latin America to trademark in Latin America is probably not a good idea.

有时，中国企业在南美国家起诉商标案件时寻求法律援助，尽管他们没有在南美任何国家进行商标注册，因为他们认为在他们的产品销往南美国家以前不需要注册。但这并不是一个好想法。

Many Chinese companies are successfully exporting to Latin American markets or have a presence there. One of the keys to their success is to know and understand the trademark laws of these countries.

许多中国企业成功的向南美国家销售产品，或是在南美有分公司。他们成功的要素是他们懂得南美国家的商标法。

They know that if they don't register their trademark early enough, it could be successfully registered by an unauthorized applicant, either will fully or by chance.

他们知道如果没有尽早地注册商标，该商标将会被其他未经认可的申请人抢注或偶然注册成功。

They know they can be prevented from obtaining registrations in Latin American countries by such an unauthorized registrant, and the options that are best suited for their engaging in a dispute for their trademark rights.

他们知道可以通过在该地区注册商标来预防抢注行为的发生，而且是以后遇到商标纠纷时最有效的保护方法。

I will try to give you an overview of the problem, the relevant factors to, and the actions to overcome the challenge posed by, preemptive registrations in Latin American countries.

我将尽力提供一个全面的概述，包括相关因素和应该采取的行动，帮助你们克服在南美国家遭遇商标抢注的问题。

THE COMPANY 该公司

To better illustrate my presentation I will refer to an actual Chinese company, which is the owner of an existing trademark, but in the context of hypothetical examples. 为了便于说明，我将以一个已经拥有商标的中国企业为例， 但是文中所述只是假设。

The company is called SINOCHEM CORPORATION, which is a major player in the Chinese chemical industry. Measures to Respond to Preemptive Registrations in Latin America 在南美遭遇商标抢注的应对措施

In 2007 it was ranked 299th among the Fortune Global 500 Companies, where it has been listed for 17 consecutive years. In addition, in 2002 their brand and logo were acknowledged as Famous Brands by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce and in 2004, the SINOCHEM brand was evaluated at 57.689 billion RMB, ranking 5th in the list of most valuable Chinese brands. 这公司是SINOCHEM CORPORATION，是中国化工行业的领头企业。截至20xx年，该公司已经连续17次被列为全国五百强企业，2007排第299位。另外，在20xx年该公司商标和标语被中国工商部门认定为中国驰名商标，20xx年该SINOCHEM 商标的评估价格是576.89亿，位于中国最有价值商标的第五位。

SINOCHEM CORPORATION has a subsidiary called SINOCHEM NINGBO LTD., operating, among others, chemical, pharmaceutical divisions and an institute of technology.

Hereinafter, and for the purpose of this presentation, I will refer to either SINOCHEM CORPORATION or SINOCHEM NINGBO as SINOCHEM.

该公司有个分公司叫做SINOCHEM NINGBO LTD 除其他外，经营化学，制药公 司和一个技术研究所。

为了便于介绍，将下文 SINOCHEM CORPORATION 或SINOCHEM NINGBO 统 称为SINOCHEM。

Response

THE TRADEMARK 该商标

SINOCHEM NINGBO LTD. has developed a brand, 思宁 or SINING?, for pharmaceutical formulations contained in tablets, capsules, injections, powders for injection, oral liquids, ointments and creams, suspensions, aerosols, drops, as well as some slow and controlled release formulations. All of these products pertain to class 5 of the Nice Classification SINOCHEM NINGBO LTD 公司创造了一个名叫思宁 or SINING? 的商标，用于药剂配方，包括：药片，胶囊，注射剂，粉末注射剂，口服液，软膏和霜，悬浮液，气雾剂，滴剂，等等。所有的这些产品都属于尼期分类的第五类。

SINING? is a registered trademark in China since September 21, 1998. After their medicine products were well established in China, they expanded into foreign markets, especially in Asia, Africa and South America, aiming to make SINING? a world-known brand.

19xx年9月21日SINING? 在中国成为注册商标。其医药产品占领了中国市场。之后，该公司又向世界市场迈进，特别针对向亚洲、非洲和南美国家，希望使商标SINING?成为驰名商标。

THE TERRITORY 南美地区性

Latin American countries are a target for Chinese exporters like SINOCHEM, as their markets are opening free. These markets are influenced by Western culture, tastes and purchasing costumes. Lower tariffs on manufactured products are also becoming an advantage for exporters.

许多中国企业像SINOCHEM一样将南美国家作为出口对象，因为他们市场是开放的，而且受到西方文化、品味和服饰的影响，对工业产品的低关税也是吸引出口商的有例条件。

Countries covered in this presentation:

演讲中所指的南美国家包括:

Argentina 阿根廷

Bolivia 玻利维亚

Brazil 巴西

Chile 智利

Colombia 哥伦比亚

Costa Rica 哥斯达黎

Cuba 古巴

Dominican Republic 多米尼共和国

Ecuador 厄瓜多尔

El Salvador 萨尔瓦多

Guatemala 危地

Honduras 洪都拉斯

Mexico 墨西哥

Nicaragua 尼加拉瓜

Panama 巴拿马

Paraguay 巴拉圭

Peru 秘鲁

Uruguay 乌拉圭

Venezuela 委内瑞拉

Measures to Respond to

RELEVANT FACTORS 相关要素

Adopting an strategy aiming to avoid, or to respond to, preemptive registrations is not an easy task. The following is intended to establish several basic factors that should be kept in mind when choosing a course of action in the different Latin American countries:

避免和应对商标抢注并不是件简单的事情，当你在拉丁美洲不同国家采取行动之前，要将下面几个要素印在脑海里。

JURISDICTION 权限

Latin America could be one of the toughest regions in the world for a Chinese company, when it comes to IP requirements. 中国企业在拉美国家申请注册是件不容易的事

Don?t forget Latin America is an actual group of sub-regions rather than one region, and does not have a single, uniform legal system. 不要忘记拉丁美洲并不是一个独立的地区，没有独立、统一的法律体系。 The diversity of legal measures and provisions offered by each country to the brand owner to respond to a preemptive registration may seem daunting to even the most experienced IP practicioner

每个国家法律措施和规定的多样性使得最有经验的IP律师在处理权力所有人 遭遇抢注时都感到头痛。

The multiplicity of names and words in a foreign language can overwhelm new exporters, used to conduct operations in a single country with a uniform system, and speaking their own language or a similar one. This is why the first step we recommend to take is to properly identify the target countries.

外语中复杂的名称和词汇可使习惯于独立的、有着统一体系的、说母语的国家进行业务的出口商不知所措。这就是为什么我们建议你们首先要了解你们的目标出口国。

Differentiating the country where a preemptive registration was found, from others, is critical. If a consultation is sent in reference to IP issues in one country, while the actual cases take place in other, you may get useless information. Some of the frequent mistakes when identifying the country of interest are: 将发生商标抢注的国家与其它国家区分开来是很关键的，如果你在一个国家遭遇商标抢注，但你向另一个国家咨询处理方法，那么你所咨询到的方法是没用的。

在确定国家时一些经常犯的错误:

Paraguay 巴拉圭 - Panama 巴拿马

Paraguay 巴拉圭 - Uruguay 乌拉圭

El Salvador萨尔瓦多 - Ecuador 厄瓜多尔

Costa Rica 哥斯达黎加 - Puerto Rico 波多黎各

A mistake when identifying the country where the conflict takes place could lead to

a waste of time and money, in situations where time may be even more valuable than money. 在遭遇抢注时错误确定国家，可能导致时间和金钱的浪费，在一些情况下时间比金钱更宝贵。

SEARCH / WATCH SERVICES 检索 / 观察服务

As past and current attempts, if any, to register the mark SINING in Latin American countries, are relevant, I had an unofficial search conducted for the word mark SINING a few days ago in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela which resulted in no registrations found.

在过去和现在如果有试图在拉美国家注册SINING的商标都是相关的，几天前我会在阿根廷、巴西、哥伦比亚、墨西哥、巴拿马、秘鲁、乌拉圭和委内瑞拉进行关于SINING 的非官方检索，检索结果是没人在这几个国家注册。

It would be important for SINOCHEM to collect and study information first, in order to know if there is a preemptive registration in the countries where registration of SINING is sought.

SINOCHEM公司首先也要进行搜集和研究，查看是否已经有人在这些国家注册。

Trademark searches often provide valuable information which could help SINOCHEM in:

进行检索经常可以提供一些有价值的信息帮助SINOCHEM公司：

knowing if there are legal situations that may need to be resolved before filing an application for SINING;

了解是否存在一些法律情况需要在申请SINING商标之前解决。

knowing if it is safe to start using the SINING mark before filing an application for it.

在申请SINING商标之前，是否可以安全使用该商标。

deciding whether they should file for their original Chinese trademark or if they should develop a trademark in one of the predominant languages in Latin America (Spanish, Portuguese and English). 是否应该以中国的商标向拉美国家提出申请，或是应该以一种拉美国家的语言（西班牙语、葡萄牙语和英语）为基础创造一个新商标，并提出申请。

If SINOCHEM is planning to sell their products in Latin American markets in the future, they should, at least, monitor publications of relevant PTOs to be

informed of new applications for SINING posing a potential problem when entering these markets. Even if SINOCHEM is already doing business in the region, they must watch their trademark rights.如果SINOCHEM

打算在拉丁美洲销售他们的产品，他们至少应该监测专利商标局受理的

SINOCHEM商标申请，因为如果注册成功，将会给SINOCHEM 带来很大的麻烦。即使SINOCHEM 已经在该地区销售产品了，他们还是要监测他们的SINOCHEM 商标。

Since trademark bulletins and gazettes in most Latin American countries are published in Spanish, if SINOCHEM cannot properly monitor the situation from China, they should consider arranging for a watch service to do it in the relevant country, and report in Chinese or otherwise.

因为在大多数的拉美国家，公告都是以西班牙语印刷的，所以如果SINOCHEM不能在中国很好的监测其商标，就应该考虑在相关国家找一个监察服务代理机构，将结果以中文或其它形式汇报。

LANGUAGE 语言

Chinese trademark owners should exercise caution when selecting trademarks for application in Latin America. 中国商标所有人在拉美国家申请注册商标时应该十分谨慎。

There are countries -like Panama- requiring that trademarks represented by words in languages other than Spanish should be filed along with their translation. 一些国家—— 如巴拿马—— 要求同时提交非西班牙语字词组成商标的西班牙语译文。

The trademark resulting from translation or transliteration might, however, be conflictive with an actually unrelated, but similar, trademark in the country where registration is sought. 由翻译或音译注册的商标可能与该国事实上毫无关系的一些商标相冲突。 Likelihood of confusion: 混淆:

Phonetic similarity - Sounds similar to a registered trademark; Visual similarity - Chinese characters are similar to a registered device trademark; Graphic similarity - the transliteration results in a registered word or combined

mark; Conceptual similarity - Translation means the same as a registered trademark.

读音相似 —— 发音与某个注册商标相似

视觉相似 —— 中国文字与某注册商标的图案相似

图形相似 —— 译文与某注册文字或组合商标相似

概念相似 —— 译文与某注册商标的意思相同

It is often advisable for Chinese companies to create and trademark Spanish or English brands, because those are the languages in which most of brands are known in Latin American countries, except in Brazil, where they speak Portuguese.

中国企业以西班牙语或英语创造自己的品牌和商标是很明智的，因为除了巴西（讲葡萄牙语）以外整个拉丁美洲国家都会知道他们的商标或品牌。

LEGAL ADVICE 法律意见

When a Chinese company's incursion into Latin American markets is put at risk by the registration of their trademark by unauthorized registrants, they should retain qualified Chinese and/or Latin American counsel at an early stage. 当未经授权的申请人申请它的注册商标，进入拉美市场的中国企业将处于危险之中，所以中国企业应该尽早地拥有合格的中国和/或拉丁美洲的律师。

The law firms these companies hire for legal advice and assistance in pursuing their IP rights in Latin America should be specializing in IP and have expertise in the region.

中国企业为了在拉美国家得到法律建议和帮助所聘请的律师应该具有专业的知识产权知识并且熟悉当地的情况。

REGISTRATION SYSTEM 注册体系

Be aware of the system in use in the country where the registration is sought. Depending on the system, the scenario may be a better or a worst one for a Chinese trademark trying to deal with a preemptive registration.

中国企业在处理抢注事件时所遇到的情况可能比根据注册体系所假设的情况要好或更遭。

First to file. Trademark laws have established a "first-to-file" system in several Latin American countries, actually referring to the first to successfully register a given trademark with the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). This system would grant a trademark registration for SINING? to whoever the first successful

applicant is, even while it is SINOCHEM?s mark and SINOCHEM has been using it in commerce for a long time.

在先申请，商标法已经在许多拉美国家建立了“在先申请” 体系，也就是第一个在专利商标局注册成功。这个体系会将商标SINING? 授予任何一个商标申请成功的申请人，尽管它是SINOCHEM公司的商标，而且SINOCHEM公司早已经在市场中使用该商标了。

In these countries, if the unauthorized registrant successfully registered SINING?, the unauthorized registrant becomes the legal owner of SINING? unless SINOCHEM succeeds in cancelling the unauthorized registration of SINING? or otherwise negotiate.

在一些国家中，如果未经认可的申请人成功注册SINING?, 商标，那么该申请人就是该商标的合法所有人，除非SINOCHEM公司成功的取消了该申请人的注册商标或是双方协商。

In Latin America, the "first-to-file" system is in use by PTOs in Honduras, Brazil and the member countries of the Andean Community (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia).

在拉美国家，“在先申请” 体系适用于洪都拉斯、巴西以及安第斯共同体国家（哥伦比亚、秘鲁、厄瓜多尔、委内瑞拉和玻利维亚）

First to use. Other countries adopted a "first-to-use" trademark registration system. Under this system, if SINOCHEM challenges the registration of SINING? made by an unauthorized party, SINOCHEM would be required to produce evidence of a best right to the SINING? mark, accrediting their first use of SINING? in commerce on products indicated in, or similar to those of, the unauthorized registration.

在先使用，一些国家已经建立了“在先使用” 的注册体系，在这个体系下，如果SINOCHEM公司反对未经认可的申请人注册SINING?商标，SINOCHEM公司需要提供有效证据证明对该商标拥有所有权，证明他们是第一个将该商标或与该商标相似的商标用于商业中。

PRODUCTS/SERVICES AND CLASSES

商品 / 服务和类别

Trademarks are registered under, and in respect to, a classification system. Latin American countries have adopted the Nice Classification System for products and services. 商标是按类别注册的，拉美国家的商品和服务采取的是尼斯分类体系

It is important to review the products/services intended to be covered with the application, to determine whether the owner should seek protection in classes with similar or related products/services. 审查商标的使用商品或服务是很重要的，查看权利人是否应该为某一类别的产品或服务寻求保护。

There are countries in Latin America where SINOCHEM could do nothing or

very little to try to stop the use, or cancel a registration, of SINING? in a class other than class 5 - let's say, in class 10, for surgical and medical instruments - if they do not hold a registration of SINING? for the relevant product/service class. 但是对SINOCHEM 公司来说，不能或者只能尝试地阻止他人使用或取消他人申请SINING?商标，如果他人注册申请的产品不属于第五类别，比方说属于第10类别 手术仪器和医疗器械。只要他人不是为相关商品或服务申请注册SINING?商标。 On the other hand, there may be non-procedural measures suitable to a particular kind of products (edible, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products), as I will later explain. 另一方面可能有非程序性上的措施适用于某一特定种类的产品 （食用食品，药品，化妆品）

WELL KNOWN TRADEMARKS 驰名商标

As they are members of the Paris Convention, all the countries in Latin America afford protection to well-known trademarks. When a trademark owner is able to obtain recognition for its trademark as well-known, the rules change. 因为南美国家是巴黎公约的成员国，所有国家都保护驰名商标。所以一旦商标所有人可以证明该商标是驰名商标，就另当别论了。

In general terms, the owner of a well-known trademark not registered with the relevant PTO is allowed by Law to prevent others from obtaining a trademark registration for an identical or similar mark. 一般情况下，未注册的驰名商标所有人，根据法律可以禁止他人注册相同或相似的商标。

When it comes to trademark use, however, the owner would not be entitled to initiate actions against infringement of his unregistered trademark.

但是对使用商标来说，未注册的商标所有人没有权利禁止他人注册其商标。

MARKET ENTRY PLAN

进入市场的计划

Marketing considerations, like the market entry objective, the life-cycle of the product and the market approach, among others, should be taken in account when choosing a strategy to respond to a preemptive registration. 市场营销的考虑包括，如进入市场的目标，产品的保质期，市场营销方法，除此之外还应该包括在遭遇到商标抢注时的应对措施。

For instance, if a rapid acquisition of a significant market share is imperative for success, the company may consider to take steps that should significantly shorten the time involved in resolving the issue, even if the costs could be higher than those in connection with other measures.

例如，如果快速的占领市场是成功的关键，那么尽管会增加费用，中国企应该采取行动减少在抢注事件上所要花费的时间。

Time is also essential in advanced stages of a product's life-cycle, but the solutions available may be limited in terms of cost, as the time for recovering these costs would be shorter than in earlier stages. 时间的早期阶段对商品的寿命周期来说是至关重要的，但是现有方案可能受到成本的限制，因为所投入成本得到回报所需的时间比早期阶段要短了好多。 There are several strategies to choose from when a company is entering a new Latin American market. Licensing, franchising, agency, joint venture, local distribution, direct sales, B2B, are some of the market approaches a Chinese company could consider. The intricacies of each of these approaches would condition the suitability of the response to a preemptive registration.

当一个中国企业第一次进入拉美市场有许多策略可以选择，许可经营、特许经营、代理、合资、本地分销、直销和B2B电子商务。每种方法的复杂性都可能限制应对抢注时的适当反应。

THE SITUATION 情景

Through decades, many Chinese companies successfully operated in the huge Chinese market without considering an expansion into new countries or regions. 几十年来，许多中国企业在没有进入国际市场的情况下，成功的生产经营。 While many of these companies reached higher levels of sales and brand awareness, the incursion into new markets became a more attractive idea. 但是也有许多企业在国内发展到了巅峰，并且具有很强的品牌意识，希望打入国际市场。

But, have you ever heard the saying "If a counterfeit product can be sold profitably, it will be sold"? 但是，你是否听说过 “ 如果出售假冒产品可以盈利，那么总有人销售” ? Well, this is particularly true in Latin America. Brand owners suffer huge losses to infringers in the region and, therefore, Chinese companies should seek registration of their marks early before their products/services enter the stream of commerce in these countries, to make sure that their marks will be considered eligible for protection through legal remedies for infringement, as provided for by local laws. 这样的说法很适合拉美国家。在拉美地区，品牌所有人因为假冒产品的存在蒙受巨大的损失。因此，中国企业应该在其商品或服务进入拉美国家之前就注册商标，以确保其商标受到当地法律保护。

In some cases the company is already doing business in Latin America; sometimes it just plans on going into the region. The diversity on rules and

requirements applied to trademark matters in different Latin American countries can seem daunting to Chinese exporters, especially when they find obstacles preventing their trademarks from being registered in one or more of these countries.

在有些情况下，该企业已经在拉丁美洲从事交易，有些情况下，该企业只是打算进入拉丁美洲。在不同的拉美国家适用于商标的规则和要求的多样性可能使中国企业感到头痛，特别是当他们在一个国家或多个国家进行商标注册遇到困难时。 The problem is frequently posed by a prior registration for the same mark, filed by someone who - either willfully or by chance - just did. If a Chinese trademark has not been registered early enough in Latin American countries, the registration applied for by an unauthorized applicant is most likely to be granted in these countries. 问题主要是由在先注册引起的，该商标被某人故意或非故意注册。如果中国企业未在拉美地区及时注册商标，该商标申请可能被其他未经认可的申请人成功注册。 PREEMPTIVE REGISTRATIONS 抢注

We could say the registration of a trademark is preemptive, when it was granted to an applicant, prior to others, operating to exclude them.

我们所说的抢注是指当一个商标在其他申请人之前被授予某个申请人，此人具有排他权力。

Bona Fide (Good-Faith) Registrations 非恶意注册

These are regular registrations obtained with a legitimate purpose and without knowing that an identical or similar brand belongs to a third party. 以获得合法保护为目的的一般注册，商标申请人不知道有一个属于第三方的相同或相似的商标存在。

Mala Fide (Bad-Faith) Registrations 恶意注册

A mala fide registration is the one obtained by someone who knew that the mark belongs to someone else. 恶意注册是指商标申请人明知该商标属于第三方还进行注册。

Competitors, licensees, employees, distributors, agents, importers, contractors, and even purchasers, are some of those who would file applications on bad faith. Mala fide trademark owners' aim is, in most of cases, making money from manufacturing or selling products bearing someone else's trademark. 竞争对手、许可人、雇员、经销商、代理商、进口商、签约商，甚至是买家都有可能是恶意抢注者。恶意抢注者的目的，大多数情况下，是为了赚钱，赚制造商的钱或销售假冒产品。

The use of a trademark watch service could provide foreign companies with timely information to decide whether to oppose to a mala fide application in a given country or region. 使用商标监视服务可以给外国公司提供及时的信息，决定是否对在某个国家或地区的恶意抢注者提出上诉。

Trademark Squatting 抢注

Squatters obtain trademark registrations in bad faith, but I prefer to leave these in a separate group, as their only purpose is extorting money from brand

owners, as opposed to the regular mala fe registrations, made for legitimating the registrant when using the mark.

恶意抢注者抢注商标的主要目的是从权利所有人那儿搞诈一笔钱，所以为了阻止这类事件的发生，在使用商标时就要使自己成为合法的拥有者。

A trademark squatter is to a brand what a kidnapper is to a hostage; it's a person who, while reading a magazine, surfing the Internet or otherwise,

identified a popular brand in a country like China, and registered it as a trademark in his country knowing that it belongs to somebody else, without an intent to use it.

商标恶意抢注者与该商标的关系就像是绑匪与人质的关系一样，此人查阅报刊、浏览网页在某个国家，例如中国，找到一个热门品牌的商标在他本国进行注册，他明知道此商标属于他人，而且并不打算使用该商标。

The squatter waits until the owner of the brand tries to either file an application for the trademark or use, to prevent him from selling or manufacturing products in the country, and then offers to "release" the registration for money. 商标恶意抢注者等待时机，直到商标所有人打算在该国注册或使用该商标时，他才开始阻止商标所有人在该国销售或生产商品，然后敲诈钱财。

Some people call these registrations "predatory registrations".

人们称这样的注册叫做“抢注”

Brand owners are usually reluctant to pay trademark squatters, as they don't want to encourage this practice. Squatters say what they do may not sound fair, but it's legal. They claim that the trademarks they register had no owner in their country at the time they filed their applications and, therefore, they are taking nothing from nobody. 权利人通常情况下不愿意向抢注者支付费用，因为不想鼓励这样的行为。但是抢注者声称尽管他们的手段不光彩，但并没有违法，而且在他们于本国注册此商标时，此商标并没有所有者，所以他们并没有侵害到任何人的权利。

THE CHALLENGE 挑战

The challenge today will be to find adequate response measures for Chinese trademark owners to contest preemptive registrations in Latin American countries. 中国企业现在面临的挑战就是在拉美国家遭遇抢注时要有足够的应对方法。 RESPONSE MEASURES 应对方法

Should the Chinese trademark owner engage in litigation in the relevant Latin American jurisdiction or should he just sit with the squatter and try to negotiate? The approach taken by the owner of a Chinese trademark would depend on many factors. 中国企业在遭遇商标抢注时，商标所有人是应该上诉到有关拉美国家的司法部门，通过法律手段解决。还是应该与商标抢注者坐下来谈判？解决方法受到许多因素的影响。

Therefore, the measures to effectively deal with a preemptive registration

situation need to be client-specific, arising from a careful consideration of all actions available. The following are highlights of the measures to address the issue virtually anywhere in Latin America. 因此，有效的解决方法是根据抢注者不同而有所变化，考虑所有的可行方案。下面我提供几个在拉美国家遭遇抢注时最常见的应对方法。

CANCELLATION 撤消

Usually, Latin American laws provide for three different types of cancellation proceedings for disputing the existence and validity of a registered trademark: 通常情况下拉美国家的法律有三种不同的撤消程序来撤消出现争议的商标，或已有法律效力的商标，

Cancellation on absolute grounds 因为绝对事由的撤消

Cancellation on relative grounds 因为相对事由的撤消

Cancellation on no-use 因为没有使用而撤消

Each approach is aiming a different purpose, and each has its particular legal implications. When successfully pursued, they could result in revocation or invalidation of the unauthorized registration. 每种方法针对不同情况，有不同的法律影响。当选择正确的方法，就有可能撤消或使未经授权的申请人的商标无效。

Whether a cancelled trademark will be considered revoked or invalidated would depend on the grounds on which the proceedings were brought, and the jurisdiction where remedy is sought. 是否将某商标的取消视为撤销或无效取决于提起诉讼的理由，以及补救法律的权限。

Generally speaking, if the cancellation of a trademark is based on absolute grounds, it will be regarded as invalidated. If the applicant requested the cancellation of a trademark on relative grounds, or on non-use grounds, the trademark will be regarded as revoked.

一般情况下，如果一个商标是因绝对事由被取消，则视为商标无效。如果某一申请者因为相对事由或因商标没有被使用而要求取消某商标，则将视为撤消商标。 However, as these proceedings have not been yet harmonized between the different Latin American IP legislations, there are countries where a given

proceeding may result in revocation, while in others may end up invalidating the registered mark. 然而，因为拉美国家IP注册程序并没统一，在一些国家某一种注册程序可能导致撤消，然而在另一些国家可能导致商标无效。

CANCELLATION ON ABSOLUTE GROUNDS

因绝对事由取消商标

Cancellation of a trademark is also known as “Nullity Action” in several Latin American jurisdictions. It can be based in several available absolute grounds: 取消某一商标，因为该商标在许多拉美国家被认为是 “无效的”。下面几个是绝对理由:

the mark is generic; 反映商品属性的商标

the mark is functional; 反映商品功能的商标

the mark is descriptive; 描述性的商标

the mark lacks distinctiveness; 缺乏显著特征的商标

the mark is misleading or deceptive; 欺骗性的商标

CANCELLATION ON ABSOLUTE GROUNDS

因绝对事由取消商标

the mark has not been authorized by competent authorities pursuant to Article 6 ter of the Paris Convention;

the mark includes a badge or emblem of particular public interest; the mark is against public policy or principles of morality;

根据巴黎公约的第6款，商标没有得到授权机关的批准

商标包括某个公众利益的徽章或标志

商标违反国家政策或公共道德

CANCELLATION ON ABSOLUTE GROUNDS

因绝对事由取消商标

the mark is prohibited in the relevant jurisdiction;

the mark consists of a geographical indication; the mark is used in a misleading manner; or the registration of the mark was made in bad faith.

相关法律不允许注册该商标

商标表明了商品的产地

商标具有欺骗性

被恶意抢注的商标

However, exception made to the bad faith, these grounds are not suitable for an applicant pursuing cancellation of a preemptive registration. If a cancellation is based on one of the absolute grounds other than bad faith, the result would prevent the applicant from securing a registration for the same trademark. 然而，恶意注册除外，其它的事由并不适合申请人申请撤消抢注的商标。如果商标被撤销是因为以上的任何一个绝对事由（恶意注册除外），其结果就可以阻止申请人注册相同的商标。

As I mentioned before, cancellation proceedings have not been standardized in Latin America, and you will find jurisdictions where a registration made in bad

faith may be subject to cancellation on absolute grounds, relative grounds or both. 正如我前面所说的，在拉美国家撤销商标的程序没有统一的标准，所以你需要寻找一个规定了抢注是个绝对事由或相对事由或两者都是的法律。

In compliance with Article 6 bis (3) of the Paris Convention, no deadline applies to cancellation of marks registered in bad faith in Latin American countries. 根据巴黎公约的条款6 bis (3) 规定，在拉美国家对申请撤消抢注的商标没有时间限制。

CANCELLATION ON RELATIVE GROUNDS

因相对事由撤消商标

Relative grounds for trademark cancellation differ from one country to the other. The following are relative grounds usually raised in cancellation proceedings in Latin American jurisdictions: 根据国家不同因相对事由撤消商标而有所不同，下面几个相对事由通常情况下会导致在拉美国家的商标被撤消。

There is an earlier registered mark

存在在先注册商标

Countries 国家

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela 阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，智利，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，古巴，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，墨西哥，巴拿马，秘鲁，巴拉圭，乌拉圭，委内瑞拉

There are first use-based rights

存在在先使用权

Countries 国家

Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama

阿根廷，巴西，哥斯达黎加，多米尼加共和国，危地马拉，墨西哥，巴拿马 The mark is covered by a copyright

该商标受到版权保护

Countries 国家

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay

阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，巴拿马，秘鲁，乌拉圭 The mark is a company name

商标是公司名

Countries 国家

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay 阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，巴拿马，秘鲁，乌拉圭 The mark is notorious or well known (Article 6 bis of the Paris Convention) 该商标是著名或驰名商标 (巴黎公约第6条款)

Countries 国家

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay 阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，智利，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，古巴，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，墨西哥，巴拿马，秘鲁，乌拉圭

The registration was granted in the name of an agent or other person with a business connection to the owner of the mark (Article 6 septies of the Paris Convention)

以与商标所有人有业务往来的代理机构或其他人的名义获得的注册 Countries 国家

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay 阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，智利，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，古巴，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，墨西哥，尼加拉瓜，巴拿马，秘鲁，乌拉圭

The mark is a trade or business name

商标是个贸易或业务的名称

Countries Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, 阿根廷，玻利维亚，巴西，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，巴拿马，秘鲁，乌拉圭，

The mark is a domain name

商标是个域名

Countries 国家

Argentina, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, 阿根廷，萨尔瓦多，巴拿马，巴拉圭，

NON-USE 没有使用

Non-use may be raised as a ground in cancellation

proceedings in the following countries: 没有使用也可以作为一个理由要求撤消此商标，此规定适用于

下面几个国家。

Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela 阿根廷，巴西，玻利维亚，哥伦比亚，哥斯达黎加，古巴，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，洪都拉斯，尼加拉瓜，墨西哥，巴拿马，巴拉圭，秘鲁，巴拉圭，委内瑞拉

Non-use may not be raised as a ground in Chile. 没有使用在智利不可以作为一个理由

Minimum use 极少使用

In the following countries, the mark must be used within five years to avoid cancellation for non-use:

在下面国家中商标必须在五年内使用，以防止他人以没有使用为由申请撤消其商标：

Argentina, Brazil, Cost Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay. 阿根廷，巴西，哥斯达黎加，萨尔瓦多，危地马拉，巴拿马，巴拉圭。

In the following countries, the mark must be used within three years to avoid cancellation for non-use: 在下面国家中商标必须在三年内使用，以防止他人以没有使用为由申请撤消其商标：

Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru 玻利维亚，哥伦比亚，古巴，多米尼加共和国，厄瓜多尔，洪都拉斯，墨西哥，尼加拉瓜，秘鲁

In Venezuela, the mark must be used within two years to avoid cancellation for non-use. 在委内瑞拉，商标必须在二年内使用，以防止他人以没有使用为由申请撤消其商标。

In Costa Rica and Nicaragua. if the trademark is used in commerce within three months from the cancellation filing date, the case will be dismissed.

在哥斯达黎加和尼加拉瓜，如果商标从被申请撤消日起3个月内持续在商业中使用，商标所有人可以继续拥有此商标。

COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS 国家选辑

The following are some of the highlights on trademark cancellation in Latin American countries: 下面是几个拉美国家关于商标撤消的摘录:

ARGENTINA 阿根廷

Local jurisdiction. Boundaries are relevant to cancellation proceedings seeking invalidation of trademarks. In Buenos Aires, the country's capital city, it is mandatory to undergo mediation before initiating these proceedings. 地方司法：使商标无效的程序与地域有关。在阿根廷的首都布宜诺斯艾利斯，在发起诉讼前进行强制性调解。

Multiple grounds. A cancellation may be based on multiple grounds in Argentina 多种理由：在阿根廷撤消商标可能基于多种理由

ARGENTINA 阿根廷

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is, usually, between four and five years. 诉讼期限，申请撤消的平均诉讼期限通常是5到6年。

Anti-squatting provision. Argentina's trademark law specifically provides for nullity of trademarks registered with the intent to sell, by someone who consistently apply for trademarks with such intent. 反抢注法，阿根廷的商标法特别规定了如果某人总是注册商标而且目的只是为了出售，此商标无效。

BOLIVIA 玻利维亚

Andean Community country. 安第斯共同体国家

Use may take place in any member country. Mark may be regarded as well-known in any member country.

Relevance of registration made in any member country.

商标可以在任意成员国使用

一个成员国的驰名商标在其他成员国也被认为是驰名商标，

可以在任意成员国合法注册商标

BOLIVIA 玻利维亚

Local registration. Trademark must be registered in Bolivia, or other Andean country, to be able to fie for cancellation of trademarks, unless it is a well-known trademark. 地方注册，商标所有人必须在玻利维亚或其它安第斯共同体国家注册商标，这样才可以有权申请取消其它商标，除非其商标为驰名商标。

Preference. A preferential right to a trademark will benefit the party who successfully sought cancellation of a trademark. The deadline to invoke this preference is three months from the cancellation decision. 优先权，一个商标的优先权将有利于成功撤消商标的一方，行使优先权的最后期限是在提出撤消要求的3个月内。

BRAZIL 巴西

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is: 诉讼期限，申请撤消的平均诉讼期限是：

three years for administrative cancellation; six years for judicial cancellation; and

three years for non-use cancellation. After final arguments have been made and/or oral hearings have taken place, a decision would be rendered within the following time frame: one year. 行政撤消需要3年

司法撤消需要6年

撤消没有使用的商标需要3年

给出最后的观点，和/或开完口头听证会后，将会在1年内给出判决。

BRAZIL 巴西

Deadline. The deadline to file for a judicial cancellation on absolute grounds is five years from registration.

最后期限，因绝对事由提出司法撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年。

Deadline. The deadline to file for a judicial cancellation on relative grounds is five years from registration.

最后期限，因相对事由提出司法撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年。

CHILE 智利

Use of registered trademark. Under Chilean law, use of a registered trademark is not required.

Multiple grounds. A cancellation may be based on multiple grounds. Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is 18 to 24 months.

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation is five years from registration.

使用注册商标，根据智利法律不强行要求使用注册商标。

多种理由，在智利撤消商标可能基于多种理由

诉讼期限，申请撤消的平均诉讼期限是18个月到24个月。

最后期限，提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年。

COLOMBIA 哥伦比亚

Well-Known Trademarks. For a trademark to be regarded as well-known, proof must be produced evidencing that the mark: was well-known at the time the unauthorized party filed for its registration; is well-known at the time the cancellation proceeding is initiated

驰名商标，当未经认可的申请人申请注册该商标时；当他人申请撤消该商标时，驰名商标所有人必须拿出证据证明该商标为驰名商标。

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is: 诉讼期限，申请撤消的平均诉讼期限是：

Proceedings before the State Council, five years Proceedings before PTO, 18 months

由国家委员会审理的需要5年

由专利商标局审理的需要18个月

COLOMBIA 哥伦比亚

Andean Community country. 安第斯共同体国家

Use may take place in any member country. Mark may be regarded as well-known in any member country. Relevance of registration made in any member country.

商标可以在任意成员国使用

一个成员国的驰名商标在其他成员国也被认为是驰名商标，

可以在任意成员国合法注册商标

Multiple grounds. A cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，撤消商标可能基于多种理由

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on relative grounds is five years from

registration

最后期限，因相对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年。

COSTA RICA 哥斯达黎加

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds. Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is, usually 18 months.

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on absolute grounds is four years from registration.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限通常是18个月

最后期限，因绝对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为4年

CUBA 古巴

Madrid Agreement. Cuba is the only Madrid country in the region

马德里协定，古巴是拉美地区唯一使用马德里协定的国家。

Grounds for international marks. Grounds for cancellation are the same in respect of international marks as they are for national marks.

撤消国际注册商标的理由，国际商标撤消的理由与其它商标相同，因为他们同时也是国家商标。

Multiple grounds. Cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of proceedings is one year. 诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是1年

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 多米尼加共和国

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds. Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is six moths.

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on absolute grounds is five years from registration.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是6个月

最后期限，因绝对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年

ECUADOR 厄瓜多尔

Andean Community country. 安第斯共同体国家

Use may take place in any member country. Mark may be regarded as well-known in any member country. Relevance of registration made in any member country.

商标可以在任意成员国使用

一个成员国的驰名商标在其他成员国也被认为是驰名商标，

可以在任意成员国合法注册商标

ECUADOR 厄瓜多尔

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is five years.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是5年

EL SALVADOR 萨尔瓦多

Multiple grounds. Cancellation may be based on multiple grounds. Length of Proceedings. The average duration of proceedings is three years. Deadline. cancellation on absolute grounds is five years from registration. Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on relative grounds is five years from registration

多种理由，撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是3年

最后期限，因绝对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年

最后期限，因相对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为5年

HONDURAS 洪都拉斯

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on absolute grounds is the longest of the following:

最后期限，因绝对事由提出撤消的最后期限如下：

five years from registration 从注册时算起有5年的时间

three year from the first use of the contested trademark in Honduras 从该商标第一次在洪都拉斯使用时算起有3年的时间。

HONDURAS 洪都拉斯

Annuity Fees. In Honduras, an annuity fee should be paid in order to keep a trademark registration in effect. If the trademark whose cancellation is sought reflects any unpaid overdue annuities, it would render the registration no longer in force.

年费，在洪都拉斯要维持商标的有效性每年都需上交年费。如果商标所有人逾期未缴年金，该商标就会被撤消没有法律效力。

MEXICO 墨西哥

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is 30 months. Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation based on prior use-based rights grounds is three years from publication of registration.

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation based on grounds of the existence of a previous trademark registration is five years.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是30个月

最后期限，基于在先使用权提出撤消的最后期限从公告时算起为3年

最后期限，基于一个以前的商标注册提出撤消的最后期限是5年

MEXICO 墨西哥

Moratorium. After cancellation, a legal moratorium allows the unauthorized to continue using the mark for one year.

延期履行权，在商标被撤消以后，合法的延期履行权允许未经认可的商标所有人继续使用该商标1年。

Previous application. Before seeking cancellation of a trademark registration granted in the name of an agent or other person with a business connection to the owner of the mark (Article 6septies of the Paris Convention), the applicant must file an application for that trademark in Mexico, in order to legitimate his interest. During the examination, the PTO should indicate the precedent registration. The applicant must further request a suspension of the registration proceedings, while the Cancellation Application is resolved.

以前的申请，在申请撤消以与商标所有人有业务往来为由的代理人或他人的商标注册之前，申请人必须在墨西哥申请该商标来确保自己的利益受到法律保护。在审查过程中，专利商标局必须简要说明在先注册。申请人必须要求停止他人的注册申请，直到他人的商标申请被取消。

PANAMA 巴拿马

Famous marks. Cancellation proceedings may be brought for revocation of the unauthorized registration of a famous mark in any class.

著名商标，著名商标所有人的撤消申请，可能致使未经认可的申请人申请的相同商标被撤消，不管他的使用商品与该著名商标的使用商品是否是同一类别。 Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation proceedings is 18 months.

诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是18个月

PANAMA 巴拿马

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation based on absolute-relative grounds is ten years from registration.

最后期限，因绝对或相对事由提出撤消的最后期限从注册时间算起为10年 Preference. A preferential right to a trademark will benefit the party who successfully sought cancellation of a trademark. The deadline to invoke this preference is three months from the cancellation decision.

优先权，一个商标的优先权将有利于成功撤消商标的一方，行使优先权的最后期限是在提出撤消要求的3个月内

PARAGUAY 巴拉圭

Multiple grounds. A cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of proceedings is 30 months. 诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是30个月

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation is five years from registration. 最后期限，提出撤消的最后期限从注册时算起为5年

Preference. A preferential right to a trademark will benefit the party who successfully sought cancellation of a trademark. The deadline to invoke this preference is three months from the cancellation decision

优先权，一个商标的优先权将有利于成功撤消商标的一方，行使优先权的最后期限是在提出撤消要求的3个月内

PERU 秘鲁

Andean Community country.安第斯共同体国家

Use may take place in any member country. Mark may be regarded as well-known in any member country.

Relevance of registration made in any member country.

商标可以在任意成员国使用

一个成员国的驰名商标在其他成员国也被认为是驰名商标，

可以在任意成员国合法注册商标

Preference. A preferential right to a trademark will benefit the party who successfully sought cancellation of a trademark. The deadline to invoke this preference is three months from the cancellation decision.

优先权，一个商标的优先权将有利于成功撤消商标的一方，行使优先权的最后期限是在提出撤消要求的3个月内

URUGUAY 乌拉圭

Multiple grounds. A cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of proceedings is two years. 诉讼期限，申请撤消商标的平均诉讼期限是2年

Deadline. There is no deadline to file for cancellation on absolute grounds. 最后期限，因绝对事由提出撤消申请没有最后期限

Deadline. The deadline to file for cancellation on relative grounds is 15 years from registration.

最后期限，因相对事由提出撤消申请的最后期限从注册时算起为15年

URUGUAY 乌拉圭

Registration required. Si la anulación es basada en art 6 ter y septies de la C. de Paris,y el propietario de la marca no hubiere solicitado el registro en el país, deberá hacerlo dentro de los 90 días de instaurada la acción. La omisión será causal suficiente para desestimar la acción de la anulación de pleno derecho.

Vindication of Rights. The ¨Vindication of Registration Rights¨, does not aim at the cancellation, but at the transfer of that registration. The vindication may be based on grounds of the registration being granted to an unauthorized agent, representative, importer, distributor, licensee or franchisee.

辩护权，行使辩护权并不是想要撤消某商标，而是打算转让某商标。辩护基于的理由可能是注册商标已经授予未经授权的代理人、进口商，分销商、许可人或特许经营人。

VENEZUELA 委内瑞拉

Andean Community country. 安第斯共同体国家

Use may take place in any member country. Mark may be regarded as well-known in any member country. Relevance of registration made in any member country.

商标可以在任意成员国使用

一个成员国的驰名商标在其他成员国也被认为是驰名商标，

可以在任意成员国合法注册商标

Multiple grounds. An application for cancellation may be based on multiple grounds.

多种理由，申请撤消商标可能基于多种理由。

Length of Proceedings. The average duration of cancellation based on any grounds is five years.

诉讼期限，不管基于什么原因申请撤消商标，平均诉讼期限是都5年

SETTLING OUT OF COURT 和解

WARNING LETTER 警告

Before initiating proceedings, why doesn?t

SINOCHEM try to resolve the issue in an amicable way? 在提出诉讼之前，为什么SINOCHEM公司不尝试以友好的方式进行和解? It may trigger the squatter's greed 可能引起抢注者的贪念

It may lead to legal measures by the registrant to bar the import of the legitimate SINING? goods, while reinforcing the mark with other registrations and using the mark in commerce, to avoid a possible cancellation based on non-use grounds

可能导致抢注者以法律手段禁止进口带有思宁?商标的货物，同时将商标用于商业中防止因没有使用而被撤消。

WARNING LETTER 警告

If SINOCHEM cannot meet legal requirements or deadlines for cancellation

如果SINOCHEM公司的答复不能满足法律要求，或是错失提出撤消要求的最后期限 If there are SINING? products that cannot wait to be launched

如果有思宁?的产品急于投放市场

If SINOCHEM doesn't want to engage in litigation for the SINING trademark 如果SINOCHEM公司不想采取法律手段解决SINING 商标的问题

If a settlement is not reached, litigation is still an option

如果双方没能达成共识，仍然可以采取法律手段解决问题

CO-EXISTENCE AGREEMENT This agreement allow both SINOCHEM and the local registrant to sell their respective SINING? products 此协议允许SINOCHEM公司的产品和当地注册的SINING? 的产品共存

When products-services are not conflictive

当他们的使用商品不属于同一个类别

It usually allows a faster entry to the market

此协议通常允许更快进入市场

ALLIANCES 联合

Partnerships, joint ventures are innovative means allowing trademark owners like SINOCHEM to ally with local companies to resolve their trademark conflicts while enhancing their competitive positions in Latin American economies.

建立合作关系、合资企业，允许商标所有人，例如，SINOCHEM 与当地事务所合作解决抢注问题，同时还可以加强他们在拉美地区的竞争能力。

Requires due diligence Takes time and other resources

要求足够的勤奋

充分利用时间和其它资源

LICENSE, DISTRIBUTION 许可经营、分销

It could be attractive for SINOCHEM to license the rights on SINING? to the registrant or to make them a distributor rather than entering into a competitive situation with the local company SINOCHEM公司可以将商标SINING?许可给抢注者或任命抢注者为该公司的国外分销商，就可以避免与其形成竞争关系。

Moreover, if SINOCHEM does not own an operation in the country

此外，如果SINOCHEM公司在当地没有分公司。

SETTLEMENT AND LITIGATION 和解和上诉

Chances of SINOCHEM to succeed at negotiation may be enhanced if cancellation proceedings have been initiated

如果SINOCHEM公司在与之和解的同时提出上诉，谈判成功的机率将会大大增加。

Prevents negotiation from becoming an endless one

这样可以避免和解变成无休止的谈判

Puts some ¨pressure¨ on the registrant

给抢注者施加压力

Time would likely work in favor of SINOCHEM and not the registrant

在时间上将会对SINOCHEM公司有利

SETTLEMENT AND LITIGATION 和解和上诉

Before initiating cancellation proceedings in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, SINOCHEM would have to undergo a private mediation

在阿根廷的首都布宜诺斯艾利斯提出撤消申请以前，SINOCHEM公司可以进行私下的调解

SINOCHEM could take advantage of this opportunity to settle in a faster and less expensive way

SINOCHEM公司可以利用这机会快速有效的解决问题

BRAZIL 巴西

An administrative cancellation is available to SINOCHEM if seeking invalidation of a newly registered SINING? trademark.

SINOCHEM公司如果希望使抢注者的SINING? 商标无效可以申请行政撤消。

These proceedings are aimed only at trademarks within 180 days from registration date

行政撤消只适用于抢注者商标SINING?注册的180天内。

CHILE 智利

As absurd as it may sound, a criminal claim against oneself is an actual option in Chile, if the registrant is likely to file a similar claim.

正如听起来那么荒谬，如果抢注者想要抢注一个相似的商标，可以进行违法声称。 CHILE 智利

First, the owner of the trademark gets a product comparison conducted by an expert. Then, the owner files for a self-aimed criminal investigation at a District Attorney?s Office, as a good-will gesture to prove that his use of the trademark in commerce is a legitimate one.

首先，该商标所有人将自己的产品与出口商的产品先进行比较，然后，贼喊捉贼要求当地法庭调查此商标，想以此来证明他在商业中使用该商标是合法的。 CHILE 智利

If the registrant files a criminal claim against the trademark owner, his claim must be annexed to the self-made claim The releasing proof contained in the investigation conducted previously usually discourages the D.A. from further action

在先前的调查中所公开的证据，通常情况下会妨碍地方法院采取进一步的行动

Promotes a pacific import-retail environment to do business with the

products

为此商品的买卖，创造一个和平的进口- 零售环境，

It?s a bold move, but implies a certain degree of risk

这是一个大胆的尝试，但是具有一定的风险。

PANAMA 巴拿马

Cosmetics, edible and pharmaceutical products, like SINING?, need a food/drug registration to be allowed for sale in Panama.

化妆品、食品和药品，像SINING?一样，需要在巴拿马进行食品或药品注册才可以销售。

Only the manufacturer or the authorized agent would be able to get a food/drug registration on a given SINING? product, regardless of who the owner of that trademark is.

只有生产商或经授权的代理机构，才能就SINING? 产品得到食品/药品的注册，不管商标的所有人是谁。

Once the food/drug registration is issued, only SINING? products imported or retailed under that food/drug are allowed for sale.

一旦得到食品/药品注册证，只有SINING?的进口商或是零售商才允许销售其产品或服务。

TRADEMARK ADAPTATION 商标修改 In general, SINOCHEM may consider making modifications to SINING? without adversely affecting the brand.

一般情况下，SINOCHEM公司可以考虑在不影响其品牌的基础上修改SINING?商标， SINOCHEM could sell its products under the new mark, urging the public to avoid buying products licensed by the trademark squatter

在商业中开始使用新商标，并且警告消费者不要购买抢注商标的产品。

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