Suriname is relatively underdeveloped in the industrial sector and is holding small number of IPRs. According to the statistics, only 2 patent applications were filed in 2000, while 1,426 trademarks were registered, including those from domestic and foreign countries.

Suriname’s provisions on trademark registration were originated from the "Royal Regulations" on August 29, 1912, i.e. Industrial Property Regulations. After amendment, the current trademark law is the Decree C-81, August 1984, amending Industrial Property Regulations of 1982. According to the provisional regulation, trademarks registered before August 29, 1984 are valid for 20 years, but the duration is 10 years after renewal.

The right for trademark is based on registration. However, only the trademarks prescribed in the law can be registered. The law does not have specific provisions on whether other types of trademark can be registered. Suriname adopts the International Classification of Trademarks and provides that different categories of trademark applications should be submitted separately.

According to the Trademark Law, the duration of registered trademark is 10 years. The valid period for each renewal is also 10 years. (Trademarks registered before August 29, 1984 are valid for 20 years, but the duration is 10 years after renewal.) In order to prevent the third party from revoking the registered trademark for non-use, the trademark should be used within three years after registration.

Suriname is the signatory of "Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property" and "Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purpose of the Registration of Marks" and a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization. In Suriname, the Ministry of Justice and Police and the Bureau for Industrial Property takes charge of IP affairs. The IP-related laws in Suriname include:

Patent:

Law on Patents, November 1910, In force in Suriname by the Rules Concerning the Right on Industrial Property, September 1969. Decree No. 43 of 1969.

Trademark:

Law No. 1893, June 1946, Industrial Property Regulations of 1912, as amended. Regulation on Industrial Property for Suriname 1912, Bulletin of Acts. Decree 1912 No. 87 as amended last by Bulletin of Acts. Law of March 1931, containing provisions on trade names, as amended in June 1936 and by Law of October 1937. Decree 1984 No. 55, referred to as the Trademark Act. Decree C-81, August 1984, amending Industrial Property Regulations of 1982.

Copyright:

Law on Copyright, March 1913, as amended in September 1959. The Copyright Act 1913, Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 1913 No. 15, acting text Bulletin of Acts. Decree 46 No. 86, as amended last by Bulletin of Acts. Decree 1981 No. 3.