Suriname implements new trademark law for service providers

President Jennifer Simons has ratified an amended trademark law in Suriname, modernizing the 1912 Industrial Property Regulations to include protection for service marks. The law, which was ratified on October 6, 2026, and published in the Official Gazette on October 8, officially went into effect on October 9, 2026.

Previously, legal protections were largely limited to product brands, leaving service-oriented businesses to rely on trade names or tort law for protection. Under the new legislation, companies in sectors such as banking, insurance, hospitality, transport, accounting, and legal services can officially register their service marks with the Bureau of Intellectual Property (BIE). This registration provides stronger legal standing to prevent unauthorized use of similar marks that could cause consumer confusion.

A transitional period has been established, allowing existing trademark holders nine months from the effective date to modify or expand their registrations to include new service classes.