How to Register a Trademark in Colombia with the SIC: Costs, Classes, and Prior Search

Quick answer: Registering a trademark in Colombia in 2026 costs $1,347,500 COP online for the first class. The official SIC query shows $1,179,000 COP for the microenterprise discount and $970,000 COP for online BIC applications; verify benefit requirements before paying. The process is done with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) through the SIPI portal, grants exclusive protection for 10 years, and takes an average of 6 to 8 months if there are no third-party oppositions.

If you are an entrepreneur in Colombia, you have probably gone through the process of visiting the Chamber of Commerce. You have your certificate, your name registered, and you feel like the business is officially yours. Pay attention to this: believing that this is enough is the most common mistake we make when formalizing a business in the country.

Having commercial registration does not mean you own your trademark. Only registration with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) gives you exclusive use of your name and logo. As someone who has seen many lose their commercial identity by not doing this process on time, I will explain step-by-step how to register your trademark in Colombia, how much it really costs this year, and how to avoid overpaying.

1. The Chamber of Commerce trap (and why you need the SIC)

When you go to the Chamber of Commerce and do the homonymy check, you are registering your company as a merchant. This prevents another company name from being exactly the same on legal documents, but it does not protect your commercial trademark in the market. In parallel, you have surely already looked for how to get the RUT from the DIAN step-by-step to be able to invoice, which is vital for taxes, but again, it does not protect your intellectual property.

If you do not register your trademark with the SIC, a competitor could try to register it and start a dispute over the name you have built. Honestly, it's a headache (and a huge expense) that you can avoid.

2. Step 1: Trademark background search (do it before paying!)

Before getting excited and paying the official fees, you need to make sure that your name (or a very similar one) is not already registered. The SIC will not refund your money if it rejects your application due to similarity with another trademark.

To do this, you must enter the SIPI portal (sipi.sic.gov.co). The basic trademark background search is completely free. Look for variations of your name, similar words, or translations. If you see that the path is clear, you can proceed. If you find something similar in your sector, I would skip the risk and think about a name redesign; legally fighting for a similar trademark is a draining process.

3. Step 2: Classify your trademark (The famous Nice Classes)

In Colombia and the rest of the world, products and services are grouped under the International Nice Classification, which has 45 classes (1 to 34 are products, and 35 to 45 are services).

You have to choose which class you compete in. For example, if you have a clothing brand, you go in Class 25. If you have a marketing agency, you go in Class 35. And if you are involved in education, you go in Class 41. Colombia Move's internal data from July 2026 showed limited offerings in the class category compared to demand, a useful signal for those looking to position educational services. If you are thinking about offering online classes in Colombia and getting students, this is an ideal time to position yourself, but make sure to protect your brand in Class 41 from day one.

4. Step 3: Official SIC fees for 2026

SIC fees are updated annually. For 2026, costs are governed by Resolution No. 6167 of January 30, 2026. Doing the process online is always cheaper than doing it in person (which amounts to $1,638,500 COP).

Savings tip: prior specialized guidance certified by a CATI or CIGEPI allows a 25% reduction when requirements are met. The official 2026 query shows $884,250 COP for a microenterprise with CATI discount for the first class; confirm the applicable category before submitting.

5. Step 4: The SIPI filing process and waiting times

The process does not strictly require a lawyer. Anyone can create a user on SIPI, fill out the digital form, upload the logo (if it's a figurative or mixed mark), and make the payment via PSE.

If you are a foreigner investing in the country, the process is similar, although I recommend you first review the guide to starting a business in Colombia as a foreigner to ensure your company structure and immigration status are in order.

The frustrating part: the timing. Once you file, the SIC performs a formal examination and then publishes your trademark in the Industrial Property Gazette for 30 business days. During this period, third parties can file oppositions if they believe your trademark is similar to theirs. If there are no oppositions, the process takes an average of 6 to 8 months. If someone opposes, be prepared for a legal tangle that can extend the process to over a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much does it cost to register a trademark in Colombia in 2026?

In 2026, the first class costs $1,347,500 COP online and $1,638,500 COP in person for a standard applicant. These are the official SIC fees under Resolution 6167 of 2026; an additional class costs $673,500 COP online or $777,500 COP in person.

❓ What is the discounted rate for microenterprises?

The official SIC 2026 fee query shows $1,179,000 COP for “MICROENTERPRISE TRADEMARK REGISTRATION DISC.” for the first class and $560,500 COP for the additional class. This benefit is distinct from the BIC rate of $970,000 COP online; confirm the required accreditation before filing.

❓ What rate applies to BIC Societies?

A formally constituted Benefit and Collective Interest Society (BIC) pays $970,000 COP online for the first class in 2026. The in-person rate is $1,179,000 COP, while each additional class costs $485,000 COP online or $560,500 COP in person.

❓ How does the discount from SIC's CATI or CIGEPI programs work?

Certified specialized prior orientation by a CATI or CIGEPI allows for a 25% reduction when requirements are met. For 2026, the official consultation registers $884,250 COP for a microenterprise with a CATI discount for the first class; confirm with the SIC which category and certificate apply to your case.

❓ How much does it cost to add an additional Nice class in 2026?

An additional class costs $673,500 COP for the standard online application in 2026. The official consultation registers $560,500 COP for the microenterprise discount and $485,000 COP for a BIC Company online; verify the applicable category before paying.