HAITI: IP Office Announces New Measures to Modernize and Increase Efficiency

Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has announced a significant change in filing requirements concerning the list of goods and services as well as new uses of technology for a more efficient operation.

MCI is responsible for the management of all Haitian industrial property (IP) rights, including trademarks, patents, and commercial names. Despite ongoing political instability, relocation challenges, and staffing shortages, MCI is striving to improve its services under the leadership of dedicated IP professionals who are committed to modernizing and upgrading the system.

While Haiti will continue to follow the Nice Classification, MCI stated in its communication dated August 11, 2025, that “any application for protection that refers to explanatory notes or the alphabetical index will not be considered.” In practical terms, this implies that it will only recognize terms taken from the class headings of the Nice Classification as acceptable descriptions of products or services.

Previously, the practice did not restrict the quantity of terms that applicants could include in their filings. This has led to a significant strain on examiners, given that Haiti does not yet have a system for electronic filing. Though MCI allowed the list of goods and services in this jurisdiction to specify “all the goods” or “all the services” of the relevant class, many applicants preferred to provide extensive lists of terms. As a result, MCI decided to implement this new practice to help speed up examination times, which have increased in light of recent political problems in the country.

In its effort to become more digital, MCI also announced a leaner, more modern format for certificates, as well as a new online search system on its website. From August 25, 2025, trademark registration and renewal certificates have been issued in a standardized format, equipped with a QR code. In addition, MCI encouraged users to use its website to access its database and conduct priority searches. As a work in progress, it is incomplete. That said, it is important to note that while the online database is a useful tool, engaging local counsel remains highly recommended to ensure that search results are up to date and accurately reflect the status of rights in Haiti.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest. Law & Practice updates are published without comment from INTA except where it has taken an official position.

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