By July 2026, multiclass trademark applications in Chile reached 29,787 cumulative filings in the first seven months of the year. According to official figures from the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI), this volume represents an increase of 18.17%—equivalent to 4,580 additional applications—compared to the 25,207 filings submitted during the same period in 2025.

With this result at the close of July, the cumulative flow stands as the highest recorded for that period since 2021 (29,524 applications, +46.72%).

INAPI’s National Director, Esteban Figueroa, stated: "Growth in the technology and health classes signals positive momentum. These sectors benefit when brand protection is timely and strategically planned. We emphasize that registration should be integrated into commercial planning, considering both product categories and target markets."

In the breakdown by Nice Classification, Class 9 (technology, scientific equipment and software) saw the largest volume increase with 370 additional applications (+18.0%), followed by Class 5 (pharmaceutical products) with 305 (+21.8%), Class 3 (cosmetics and cleaning) with 202, and Class 30 (processed foods) with 201 (+19.9% and +20.4%, respectively). Class 10 (medical equipment) recorded the highest relative expansion (+30.0%, +111 filings).

The average processing time for new trademarks stood at 5.5 months in July 2026, 2.2 months less than a year earlier; for clean trademarks (without observations or oppositions) the average dropped to 4.1 months.

On geographic distribution, the Metropolitan Region concentrated 17,978 filings (+19.68%); Valparaíso 1,911 (+22.34%); BioBío 1,075 (+14.61%); Los Lagos 852 (+21.89%); and La Araucanía 753 (+18.40%). The highest percentage variations occurred in Magallanes (+45.45%, 256 applications) and El Maule (+44.44%, 741 applications).

Figueroa added: "Growth in regions like Magallanes and El Maule is encouraging, confirming that interest in protecting intangible assets extends beyond the Metropolitan Region." He concluded: "We want each holder to understand their trademark as a business tool. This year’s results—more applications and faster response times—allow us to view the second semester with optimism."

Registering is Not Enough; Brands Must Be Used

The increase occurs ahead of an important regulatory challenge—the practical application of non-use cancellation introduced by Law No. 21,355, which requires registered trademarks to have real and effective commercial use in Chile. Starting May 9, 2027, the first registrations will begin reaching the five-year inactivity legal deadline that allows any interested third party to request cancellation.

For marks granted from May 9, 2022, the five years are counted from the grant date; for older marks, from their first renewal after that date. Companies must support trademark use with evidence (invoices, catalogs, website activity), directly or through authorized licensees. The law contemplates protection for regulated industries (pharmaceutical, food): no cancellation applies if the holder proves obstacles beyond their control, such as regulatory restrictions preventing commercialization.

Source: National Institute of Industrial Property of Chile (INAPI), 2026-09-08. Original: https://www.inapi.cl/sala-de-prensa/detalle-noticia/solicitudes-de-marcas-en-chile-aumentan-un-18-2-al-cierre-de-julio-de-2026-e-impulsan-sectores-de-tecnologia-y-salud