Trademarks Law in Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Here’s an overview of trademark law in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a US commonwealth:
🇵🇷 Trademark Law in Northern Mariana Islands (US)
🔹 Legal and Political Context
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a US commonwealth with its own local government but under US sovereignty.
US federal trademark law applies in the CNMI, including the Lanham Act (Trademark Act of 1946).
There is no separate CNMI trademark registration system.
Trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) protect marks in CNMI automatically.
🔹 Governing Law
Trademark protection is governed by the Lanham Act (federal law).
The USPTO handles all federal trademark registrations.
Local courts in CNMI can enforce trademark rights under US federal law.
🔹 Registration
Trademark owners must register marks with the USPTO to obtain nationwide protection, including CNMI.
No separate local registration is required or available.
🔹 What Can Be Registered?
Trademarks, service marks, certification marks, collective marks, and trade dress.
Any distinctive sign used in commerce to identify and distinguish goods or services.
🔹 Duration and Renewal
Trademark registrations last 10 years from the registration date.
Renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
🔹 Rights Granted
Exclusive right to use the mark nationwide (including CNMI).
Ability to enforce rights against infringers in federal or local courts.
Rights to license, assign, or transfer the trademark.
🔹 Enforcement
Enforcement of trademark rights is through:
Federal courts (including district courts covering CNMI)
Local courts applying federal trademark law
Customs enforcement via US Customs and Border Protection
🔹 International Treaties
The US is a member of:
Paris Convention
Madrid Protocol
TRIPS Agreement
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing law | US Lanham Act |
| Registration | USPTO only |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
| Enforcement | Federal and local courts |
| International treaties | Paris, Madrid, TRIPS |
| Coverage | US including Northern Mariana Islands |
Key Point
To protect a trademark in the Northern Mariana Islands, register it with the USPTO.
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