Protecting your brand, invention, or creative work in Guyana starts with understanding the country's intellectual property (IP) system. Whether you're launching a new product, building a business, or creating original designs, registering your IP with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) gives you legal protection against unauthorized use. This guide covers everything you need to know about trademark registration, patents, industrial designs, and copyright in Guyana.
In This Guide
Official Forms & Downloads
- DCRA Official Website Official information on trademark registration requirements, fees, and process.
- DCRA Application Forms Portal All downloadable DCRA forms including trademark, company, and business name applications.
- Listing of Registered Trademark Agents Official DCRA list of approved trademark agents authorised to file on your behalf.
- Patent & Design Registration Info DCRA guide to registering patents and industrial designs in Guyana.
Official DCRA Links & Resources
Trademark Services
IP Resources
Related Guides
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others. In Guyana, trademarks are registered and protected through the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA), specifically the Intellectual Property Office within the Commercial Registry. Registration gives you the exclusive legal right to use your mark in commerce and take legal action against anyone who uses it without permission.
Legal Framework
Trademark registration in Guyana is governed by the Trade Marks Act (Cap. 90:01) and associated regulations. The DCRA's Commercial Registry administers all intellectual property registrations including trademarks, patents, and industrial designs.
What Can Be Trademarked?
In Guyana, a wide range of distinctive signs can be registered as trademarks, provided they are capable of distinguishing your goods or services from those of other businesses:
Registrable Trademarks
What Cannot Be Trademarked
Marks that are purely descriptive of the goods/services, generic terms, deceptive marks, marks identical or confusingly similar to existing registered trademarks, national flags or emblems, and marks contrary to public morality cannot be registered. The DCRA will refuse applications that fall into these categories during examination.
Types of IP Protection in Guyana
The DCRA's Intellectual Property Office handles several forms of IP protection beyond trademarks:
Trademarks
Patents
Industrial Designs
Copyright
Trademark Registration Process
The trademark registration process in Guyana involves several stages, from filing through to the issuance of your registration certificate. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months after examination and publication, assuming no objections or complications. Note that multi-class applications are not permitted — a separate application is required for each trademark class.
Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, conduct a search of the DCRA trademark register to ensure your proposed mark is not already registered or too similar to an existing mark. Your trademark agent can perform this search on your behalf. This step helps avoid costly rejections.
Engage a Registered Trademark Agent
In Guyana, trademark applications are typically filed through a registered trademark agent, though the DCRA may accept direct applications. Using an agent is strongly recommended. Choose an agent registered with the DCRA who will prepare and submit your application on your behalf.
File the Application at DCRA
Your agent submits a completed trademark application form along with required documents and the application fee to the Commercial Registry at DCRA headquarters. The application must specify the mark, the classes of goods/services, and the applicant's details.
Formal and Substantive Examination
The DCRA examines your application in two stages. The formal examination checks that all required documents and fees are in order. The substantive examination assesses whether the mark meets registrability requirements and checks for conflicts with existing marks.
Publication in the Official Gazette
If the application passes examination, the mark is published in the Official Gazette of Guyana. This publication gives notice to the public of the pending registration, typically appearing within two weeks of approval.
Opposition Period (1 Month)
After publication, there is a one-month opposition period during which any third party can file a formal opposition to the registration. If an opposition is filed, the DCRA will hold proceedings to determine whether registration should proceed.
Registration Certificate Issued
If no opposition is filed (or if opposition is successfully overcome), the DCRA issues a trademark registration certificate. Your trademark is now officially registered and legally protected in Guyana for 7 years from the filing date.
Timeline Tip
The DCRA typically processes the application approximately 3 months after all requirements are satisfied. Combined with the 1-month opposition period and administrative time, the total process usually takes 3-6 months. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if opposition is filed.
Required Documents
Trademark Application Documents
Fees
| Service | Fee (GYD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark Application | $100 | Filing fee per class |
| Registration Fee | $200 | Upon approval of application |
| Association | $200 | For associated trademarks |
| Renewal (14 years) | $200 | After initial 7-year term |
| Restoration | $200 | Restoring a lapsed registration |
| Merger | $300 | Merging trademark registrations |
| Subsequent Proprietor | $300 | Transfer of ownership |
| Alteration | $50 | Minor changes to the mark |
| Change of Name/Address | $50 | Updating owner details |
| Lost Certificate | $50 | Replacement of lost registration certificate |
| Certified Copy (L/G Certificate) | $2,000 | Official certified copy |
| Trademark Licence | $5,000 | Recording a licence agreement |
Payment Information
The DCRA accepts cash and Manager's Cheque as payment methods. Agent fees are separate and vary by firm - expect to pay additional professional fees for your trademark agent's services, which are typically significantly more than the DCRA filing fees. Always obtain receipts for all payments.
Renewal Reminder
Your trademark registration is valid for 7 years from the filing date. You must apply for renewal before expiry to maintain protection. If you miss the renewal deadline, you may still apply for restoration, but at an additional fee. Set a reminder well in advance of the expiry date.
Trademark Agents
In Guyana, trademark applications are typically filed through a registered trademark agent, though the DCRA may accept direct applications. The DCRA maintains a register of approved trademark agents, most of whom are attorneys-at-law or intellectual property specialists.
What a Trademark Agent Does
Choosing an Agent
When selecting a trademark agent, look for experience in intellectual property matters, membership in the Guyana Bar Association, and familiarity with international IP filings if you plan to protect your mark abroad. Request a fee estimate before engaging their services, as agent fees vary considerably.
Patent Registration
Patent registration in Guyana is a separate process from trademark registration, also handled by the DCRA's Intellectual Property Office. A patent protects new inventions and grants the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period.
Patent Requirements
To Be Patentable, an Invention Must Be
Patent Application Process
Prepare a Patent Specification
Draft a detailed description of your invention, including claims defining the scope of protection sought. This typically requires the assistance of a patent attorney or agent.
File the Application
Submit the patent application with the specification, drawings (if applicable), abstract, and required fees to the DCRA's Intellectual Property Office.
Examination
The DCRA examines the application for compliance with formal requirements and may conduct a substantive examination to assess novelty and inventive step.
Grant of Patent
If the application meets all requirements, the patent is granted and published. The patent provides protection for 16 years from the filing date, with possible extensions of 5 or 10 years, subject to payment of annual maintenance fees.
International Trademarks
If you operate internationally or plan to expand beyond Guyana, understanding how your trademark protection extends is essential.
Guyana and the Madrid Protocol
Guyana is not currently a member of the Madrid Protocol (the international system for registering trademarks in multiple countries through a single application). This means you cannot use the Madrid System to extend a foreign trademark registration into Guyana, nor can you use a Guyanese registration to obtain protection abroad through this system.
Protecting Your Mark Internationally
Contact Information
Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) - Commercial Registry
Starting a Business in Guyana?
Protecting your brand is just one part of setting up a business. Our complete business registration guide covers everything from company incorporation to business name registration at the DCRA.
Business Registration GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How long does trademark registration take in Guyana?
The entire process typically takes 3-6 months after all requirements are satisfied and examination is complete, assuming no opposition is filed and all documents are in order. The DCRA processes the application approximately 3 months after requirements are met, followed by publication and a 1-month opposition period. Note that separate applications are required for each trademark class -- multi-class filings are not permitted.
How long does a trademark last in Guyana?
A trademark registration is valid for 7 years from the date of application. It can be renewed for successive 14-year periods upon payment of the renewal fee before expiry.
Do I need a trademark agent to register in Guyana?
Trademark applications in Guyana are typically filed through a registered trademark agent, though the DCRA may accept direct applications. Using an agent is strongly recommended as they handle the legal complexities. The DCRA maintains a register of approved agents, most of whom are attorneys-at-law.
What can be trademarked in Guyana?
You can trademark words, names, letters, numerals, designs, logos, slogans, symbols, colour combinations, and combinations of these elements. The mark must be distinctive and capable of identifying your goods or services from others in the market.
Is Guyana a member of the Madrid Protocol?
No, Guyana is not currently a member of the Madrid Protocol. To protect your trademark in Guyana, you must file a separate application with the DCRA, typically through a registered trademark agent. Similarly, to protect a Guyanese mark abroad, you must file in each country individually.
Can I register a trademark that is already registered in another country?
Possibly, yes. Trademark protection is territorial, so a mark registered in another country is not automatically protected in Guyana. However, if the mark is already registered by someone else in Guyana, or if it is considered a well-known mark, your application may be refused.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark application?
If opposition is filed during the 1-month opposition period, the DCRA will hold proceedings where both parties can present their case. The Registrar will decide whether to proceed with or refuse the registration. You can respond to opposition through your trademark agent.
Can I transfer or license my trademark to someone else?
Yes, trademarks can be assigned (transferred) to another person or entity, and you can grant licences for others to use your mark. Both assignments and licences should be recorded at the DCRA. The fee for recording a licence is GYD $5,000.
What is the difference between a trademark and a business name registration?
A business name registration at the DCRA allows you to operate under a particular name but does not give you exclusive rights to that name as a brand. A trademark registration gives you the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with specific goods or services and the ability to take legal action against infringers.
Last updated: April 3, 2026. Trademark registration requirements and fees may change. Always verify current requirements with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority before filing. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.