MERCOSUR symbols
The name Mercado Común del Sur (Southern Common Market), the acronym MERCOSUR, the MERCOSUR emblem, and the MERCOSUR flag in both Spanish and Portuguese are official symbols of MERCOSUR, as listed in the Annex to CMC Decision No. 17/02.
These symbols may be used by MERCOSUR itself, by its Member States, and its official bodies. They may also be used—without prior authorization—by natural or legal persons from MERCOSUR Member States, provided such use is consistent with MERCOSUR’s objectives.
Without prejudice to Article 6 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Common Market Group may issue guidelines to govern the use of MERCOSUR symbols by third parties, whether individuals or legal entities.
Use of MERCOSUR symbols must comply with the guidelines issued by the Common Market Group.
MERCOSUR symbols may not be used in association with purposes or activities that are incompatible with the principles and objectives of MERCOSUR, that are contrary to public morality, or that could cause confusion between the user and MERCOSUR bodies, leading to misrepresentation or discrediting of the organization.
Under no circumstances may the MERCOSUR symbols be used to designate bodies or institutions that could be mistaken for MERCOSUR entities, such as Tribunal, Council, Group, Commission, Committee, Working Group, or Forum.
Use of the Term MERCOSUR
Commercial companies must meet the following requirements when using the term MERCOSUR:
- The word MERCOSUR must not be used in isolation but as part of a trade name or corporate name.
- The name must be related to the company’s corporate purpose.
- The use must not be misleading or suggest an affiliation with official bodies.
Each Member State shall ensure, in accordance with its domestic legislation, that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the improper use of MERCOSUR symbols and to guarantee their proper use in accordance with CMC Decision No. 17/02, particularly Articles 3 and 4.
To this end, the Member States shall extend and guarantee protection to MERCOSUR symbols equivalent to that granted to national symbols under their domestic legal systems, including penalties for non-compliance with the Decision.
Use of MERCOSUR symbols does not confer ownership or any rights over them. These symbols may not, under any circumstances, be registered as trademarks or included in a trademark portfolio.
