A. M. 
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador has approved a new Intellectual Property Law that creates the Instituto Salvadoreño de la Propiedad Intelectual, which will be integrated to the Centro Nacional de Registros (CNR). This new legislation seeks to provide a stronger framework for the protection of intellectual property rights, benefiting in particular Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as creative and innovative individuals within the country. The law has an innovative approach with the objective of fostering economic development and stimulating creativity.
The Instituto Salvadoreño de la Propiedad Intelectual will be a legal and technical entity in charge of managing the intellectual property rights that are currently under the administration of the Intellectual Property Registry. This reform includes the repeal of the current Intellectual Property Law, the Law of Trademarks and Other Distinctive Signs, as well as the Regulations for the Promotion and Protection of Intellectual Property, in an effort to update and improve the protection system.
The new Institute will be headed by a director who will be responsible for defining the Institute’s organizational structure and ensuring efficiency in the provision of services through the use of advanced technology. Among its attributions, the Institute will be responsible for processing applications, granting intellectual property titles, and registering contracts related to the assignment, transfer or granting of licenses. It will also be responsible for promoting the dissemination and knowledge of the protection of these rights.
Another important function of the Institute will be to mediate in conflicts between right holders, collecting societies and users of works. This will provide a mechanism to resolve disputes in an equitable and efficient manner, thus strengthening the intellectual property protection system in El Salvador.
The new legislation covers a wide range of literary and artistic works, including books, computer programs, video games, and musical works, as well as lectures and speeches. This expansion ensures that a full range of intellectual creations are protected under the new legal framework, reflecting El Salvador’s commitment to the development and protection of creativity and innovation.
