Financial Crime World

Employment Law in Colombia

Key Benefits for Employees

Colombian employment law offers various benefits to employees, including:

  • Footwear and Clothing: Employees who earn up to two monthly minimum wages (COP$2,600,000) receive footwear and clothing every four months.
  • Paid Rest Periods: They are entitled to a 15-business-day period of paid rest for every year of service and proportionally for any fraction thereof.
  • Vacation Days: Employees enjoy at least six continuous days of vacation for every year of service, with a limit of nine days per year.

Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Colombia

Protection Options

Colombia offers various options to protect innovations and inventions:

  • Patents: Innovations and inventions can be protected through patents.
  • Utility Models and Industrial Designs: Utility models and industrial designs are also eligible for protection.
  • Membership in International Treaties: The country is a member of treaties that protect IP, such as TRIPS, the Paris Convention, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Non-Patentable Subject Matters

Certain subject matters are considered non-patentable, including:

  • Living Beings
  • Scientific Theories
  • Therapeutics
  • Financial or Business Methods
  • Uses and Second Uses

Software Protection

Software is not patentable but is protected by copyright laws.

IP Ownership in Colombia

Registration Process

IP ownership in Colombia operates through a registration process before the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce.

Patent and Utility Model Duration

  • Patents: Patents are granted for 20 years.
  • Utility Models and Industrial Designs: Utility models and industrial designs are granted for 10 years.

Exploiting/Monetising IP Rights

Exploitation Options

IP rights holders can exploit, commercialise, assign, or license their protected inventions or innovations:

  • Self-Exploitation: They may do so themselves.
  • Assignment or Licence: They may sell/assign or grant a licence to third parties.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the text provides more detailed information on these topics. For specific advice or further clarification, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional familiar with Colombian employment and IP law.