How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in Chile?
Learn how much it costs to register a trademark in Chile, including INAPI fees, payment stages, publication costs, and common mistakes to avoid when protecting your brand.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in Chile? A Clear and Practical Guide
Registering a trademark is a key step in protecting a business, startup, or personal project. One of the first and most common questions is how much it costs to register a trademark in Chile and why that cost can vary from one case to another.
In this article, we explain in a clear and transparent way the real costs involved, how and when they are paid, which expenses are mandatory, which are not, and what Chilean law says about the trademark registration process.
Why Is It Important to Know How Much It Costs to Register a Trademark in Chile?
Before starting any procedure with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI), it is essential to understand the cost structure. This not only helps you plan your budget properly but also allows you to avoid unnecessary or misleading charges.
Many people believe that registering a trademark is excessively expensive, when in reality, the base costs are regulated and publicly established.
Base Costs of Trademark Registration Before INAPI
Mandatory Government Fees: 3 UTM per Class
The main cost of registering a trademark in Chile corresponds to the government fees charged by INAPI, which are established by law.
Currently, the fee is 3 UTM per class to be registered.
💡 A “class” refers to the category of products or services your trademark will cover, according to the Nice Classification.
How Are These 3 UTM Paid?
The total amount is not paid all at once, but in different stages of the process:
- 1 UTM is paid when filing the trademark application.
- The remaining 2 UTM are paid only if the application is accepted for registration.
This system allows applicants to move forward step by step without paying the full amount upfront.
Cost of Publication in the Official Gazette
A Variable Cost That Is Often Poorly Explained
Once the application successfully passes the formal examination and is accepted for processing, INAPI orders its publication in the Official Gazette.
This stage is important because:
- There is no fixed cost
- The price depends on the number of characters in the published extract
How Much Does the Publication Cost?
In practice, the cost may vary significantly:
- As low as CLP $3,000
- Or as high as CLP $30,000 or more, depending on the length of the description
⚠️ Important warning:
Be cautious of providers who charge a high fixed fee for publication in all cases. That is not how the system works, and such practices often indicate a lack of transparency or experience.
Are Notarial Fees Required?
Powers of Attorney Do Not Require Notarization
If you register your trademark through a third party, INAPI requires a simple power of attorney.
What many people do not know is that:
- ❌ Notarization is not mandatory
- ❌ It is not required by law
Therefore, if someone charges mandatory notarial fees, the process becomes unnecessarily more expensive and complex, reflecting a lack of diligence or knowledge of trademark procedures.
Are There Additional Costs If Everything Goes Well?
Cuando el trámite avanza sin problemas
Si la solicitud:
- Supera el examen de forma
- Se publica correctamente
- No recibe oposiciones
- Y es aceptada a registro
👉 No hay que pagar nada más, aparte de las 2 UTM finales ya mencionadas.
En ese punto, el registro queda concedido y el proceso
¿Qué pasa si alguien se opone a mi marca?
When the Application Proceeds Without Issues
If the application:
- Passes the formal examination
- Is published correctly
- Receives no oppositions
- And is accepted for registration
👉 No additional payments are required, other than the final 2 UTM government fee.
At that point, the trademark is granted and the process is completed.
What Does Chilean Law Say About Trademark Registration?
The entire procedure is governed by the Industrial Property Law, which can be reviewed on the website of the Chilean National Congress Library:
👉 https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/navegar?idNorma=1179684
This law regulates the registration stages, official fees, and legal requirements in case of oppositions.
Common Mistakes When Calculating Trademark Registration Costs in Chile
- Assuming all fees are paid upfront
- Believing the publication fee is fixed
- Accepting unnecessary notarial charges
- Hiring advisors without trademark expertise
- Ignoring the risk of oppositions
Avoiding these mistakes can save time, money, and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much does it cost to register a trademark in Chile for one class?
The base cost is 3 UTM, plus the variable Official Gazette publication fee.
- Can the trademark fees be paid in stages?
Yes. 1 UTM is paid at filing, and 2 UTM only if the trademark is accepted.
- Is the Official Gazette publication fee fixed?
No. It depends on the number of characters published.
- Is notarization required for powers of attorney?
No. INAPI accepts simple, non-notarized powers of attorney.
- What usually increases the cost of trademark registration?
Mainly oppositions and poor initial legal advice.
- Is registering a trademark worth it?
Absolutely. It protects your brand, prevents conflicts, and increases business value.
Conclusion: An Informed Investment Makes All the Difference
Understanding how much it costs to register a trademark in Chile allows you to make informed decisions and protect your brand without unnecessary expenses. The costs are regulated, predictable, and manageable with proper guidance.
If you have questions or want to start growing your brand, remember that protecting it is the first step.
At von Marttens®, we are here to help you every step of the way.
AI Usage Information: This article was written by members of our team; however, AI tools were used to improve readability and structure the text for search engines.
