We take this opportunity to inform you that the Venezuelan Patent and Trademark Office (SAPI) has informed by official notice published on February 02, 2018 that they have suspended temporarily payments in USD for their services.

Such decision is based on the revocation of the regulation that fixed the Exchange Rate to be used to calculate the Official Fees in said currency.

This announcement applies to the Official Fees to be paid by Foreign IP owners for trademark renewals, patent annuities, granting of patents and trademarks as well as changes of proprietorship and address.

Those patents or trademarks having a close due date must be filed with a writ before the SAPI in order to guarantee the owner’s rights. We strongly encourage you to continue protecting your IP in Venezuela.

This procedure will be in force until the Venezuelan authorities define the new payment procedure, amounts and currency to be used.

We have expectations that the Official Fees would be reduced dramatically under the new procedure. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any question in this regard.

We will keep you informed over any development in the days to come.