Intellectual property (IP) has become a structural component of knowledge-based economies. In Colombia, its evolution in recent years reflects a dual phenomenon: on the one hand, sustained growth in the use of protection tools—especially distinctive signs—and, on the other, persistent gaps in the strategic appropriation of intangible assets, particularly in terms of patents and business management of innovation.

The official statistics of the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) and the study called IP.CO:Impact of intellectual property on Colombian companies, carried out by PONS IP in 2025, have helped to identify the main trends that have marked the system over the last year.

Use of protection mechanisms

The registration of distinctive signs – trademarks, slogans, trade names, collective marks and certification marks – continues to be the intellectual property tool most widely used by companies and entrepreneurs in the country. In 2025, 49,034 applications for distinctive signs were filed, 98.6% of which were for trademarks.

This behaviour could reflect the fact that, for a large part of the Colombian business sector, intellectual property is mainly associated with the protection of commercial identity and market positioning. At the same time, the low use of tools such as collective or certification marks suggests that there is still room to strengthen sectoral and regional strategies for differentiation and collective reputation that support the development of regions and the country.

For its part, the analysis of patents – for inventions and utility models – is often used to assess the level of technological innovation within an economy. In 2025, 2,148 patent applications were filed in Colombia. 1,776 of these applications were filed by non-residents (87%) and 372 by residents (13%). This distribution shows that most of the technologies protected in the country come from foreign developments.

Finally, a different dynamic can be observed in the registration of industrial designs, where Colombian applicants are more active. In 2025, 951 industrial design applications were registered, distributed among 595 applications from residents (63%) and 356 applications from non-residents (37%). It is interesting to note that industrial design has begun to gain greater relevance, which could reflect its growing importance in today’s market for differentiation and attracting customers.

Profile of intellectual property applicants in Colombia

An analysis of intellectual property rights applicants reveals a diverse composition within the Colombian innovation ecosystem. In the case of applications from residents in 2025, according to SIC statistics, there is active participation by individuals, indicating that part of the innovative activity originates from individual initiatives or emerging ventures.

Among business actors, organisations with a strong technological or industrial component stand out, such as companies in the energy or manufacturing sectors. At the same time, several Colombian universities are among the most active applicants, including institutions such as the National University of Colombia, the University of La Sabana and the Antonio Nariño University.

This confirms the gradual consolidation of the university-business-state ecosystem, although there are still opportunities to strengthen knowledge transfer to the productive sector.

Beyond the registration figures, it is key to analyse how companies understand and use intellectual property within their business strategies. The IP.CO study, which surveyed 410 companies of different sizes and sectors in Colombia, shows that although organisations recognise the value of IP, its integration into business management is still limited.

Among the main findings, it is noteworthy that companies associate intellectual property primarily with reputation and competitive differentiation. Likewise, many organisations recognise the value of intangible assets, but do not invest systematically in their protection and management. This last finding is particularly significant, as it suggests that there is a gap between the recognition of the value of intangible assets and their effective management. This is concerning, given that intellectual property management is as important as its registration and constitutes a fundamental basis for the economic growth of companies; otherwise, the risk of economic losses increases significantly.

Main challenges for intellectual property in Colombia

A joint analysis of statistics and business behaviour makes it possible to identify several challenges for the Colombian intellectual property system. Rather than limitations, these represent opportunities to strengthen the role of intangible assets within the Colombian innovation ecosystem.

•  Although many organisations recognise the value of intellectual property, its management is not yet fully integrated into business models. To promote greater incorporation of IP into strategic business planning, it is necessary to strengthen training programmes for managers and entrepreneurs, develop practical tools for managing intangible assets, and improve coordination between companies and intellectual property specialists involved in technology protection and valuation processes.

• The ability to identify, protect and manage intellectual property assets continues to vary greatly between companies, sectors and regions. In light of this challenge, it is essential to expand training and awareness-raising efforts on intellectual property, particularly targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, technology-based start-ups and regional actors in the innovation ecosystem.

• The low proportion of patent applications by national residents compared to foreigners reflects the need to strengthen mechanisms that facilitate the conversion of scientific and technological knowledge into protectable assets. In this regard, existing support instruments for technological maturation, assistance in patenting processes and the structuring of intellectual property portfolios could be strengthened.

• The strengthening of the Colombian innovation ecosystem will depend, to a large extent, on the ability of its actors to collaborate in the generation and transfer of knowledge. Maintaining and increasing opportunities for cooperation between universities, research centres and companies can drive the development of technological solutions with potential for protection through intellectual property.

• The figures for 2025 show that Colombia has made progress in the use of protection tools, especially in the area of trademarks. However, they also highlight the need to further develop the strategic management of intangible assets, which is capable of connecting innovation, legal protection and the generation of economic value.

Ultimately, the consolidation of intellectual property culture does not depend solely on the registration system, but on the capacity of the business, academic and institutional ecosystem to convert knowledge into intangible assets and manage them strategically, integrating intellectual property into their innovation, growth and internationalisation processes. In this regard, it is necessary to dispel the myths that still persist around intellectual property and strengthen synergies and specialised assistance schemes to effectively support business growth and contribute to the country’s development.

Written by: Laura Patiño. IP Business Management and Training. PONS IP Colombia.