Intellectual Property lawyers in Havana (CE)

Two main government offices handle intellectual property registration in Havana:

• The Cuban Industrial Property Office (OCPI) – manages patents, trademarks, and industrial designs
• The National Copyright Office (CENDA) – handles copyright registrations for literary, artistic, and musical works

Both offices are located in Havana and operate under the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. Foreign applicants seeking trademark registration or patent protection must file through these offices, typically with assistance from an authorized attorney in Havana.

Trademark registration in Havana typically takes 12-18 months from filing to completion. The process includes:

1. Initial filing with the Cuban Industrial Property Office (OCPI)
2. Formal examination (1-2 months)
3. Substantive examination (6-8 months)
4. Publication in the Official Bulletin
5. Opposition period (60 days)
6. Final registration if no oppositions are filed

Timelines may vary depending on case complexity and whether any office actions or oppositions occur. Once registered, trademarks in Cuba remain valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Businesses can find patent attorneys in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) through several channels:

• The intellectual-property.org directory with filtered search for Old Havana practitioners
• The Cuban Association of Intellectual Property located near Plaza Vieja
• Legal offices along Calle Obispo and surrounding streets in the historic district
• Referrals from the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, which has offices in the area

Many patent attorneys in Old Havana specialize in both domestic and international filings and can assist with applications to the Cuban Industrial Property Office located nearby.

Local expertise is important when filing for copyright protection in Havana because:

1. Cuban copyright law has unique provisions regarding moral rights that differ from U.S. and European systems
2. Registration procedures at the National Copyright Office (CENDA) have specific documentation requirements
3. Works created under employment contracts follow distinct ownership rules in Cuban law
4. Cultural expressions and traditional knowledge have special protection considerations
5. Foreign works require specific formalities to receive protection in Cuba

A copyright lawyer in Havana understands these nuances and can navigate the local system efficiently, ensuring proper protection for creative works.

In Havana, the industries most frequently seeking industrial property protection are:

• Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals – centered around the Scientific Pole (Polo Científico) in western Havana
• Tobacco and rum production – protecting geographical indications and trademarks
• Tourism and hospitality – focusing on branding and service marks
• Fashion and cultural production – requiring copyright and trademark protections

These industries benefit greatly from local patent attorneys and trademark lawyers who understand the specific challenges and processes in Cuba’s IP landscape.