International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol)
It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Algeria.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each application
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each registration
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Declaration of use/Intent to use

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, legalized up to an Algerian Consul, with verified French translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, notarized, with verified French translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, legalized up to an Algerian Consul, with verified French translation

International Arrangements

There is presently some ambiguity surrounding the possibility of claiming priority in Angola and we are endeavoring to establish the Registry’s position on the matter. Whilst there is no provision in the Angolan law, the Registry does in practice appear to be accepting some priority claims. Please contact us for up to date information.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register, with verified Portuguese translation, notarized
• 3. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Copy of the Certificate of Registration
• 3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register, with verified Portuguese translation, notarized

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified Portuguese translation*
• 3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register, with verified Portuguese translation, notarized

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified Portuguese translation*

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney*

License/Registered User

• 1. Power of Attorney from the licensee*
• 2. License Agreement, with verified Portuguese translation*

* To be legalized by an Angolan Consul.

International Arrangements

ARIPO, Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Botswana.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified English translation

For nearly thirty years from independence in 1975 there was no effective Industrial Property legislation, and an informal practice evolved of publishing Cautionary Notices in local newspapers. More recently, a Portuguese Code of 1940 was revived and an IP Office established which enabled applications to be filed in preparation for the implementation of a new law. This new legislation, Decree-Law No. 4-2007, came into effect in August 2007, and recognizes applications filed under the repealed 1940 Code.

International Arrangements

None, but the 2007 Code, like that of 1940, provides for priority to be claimed and such claims are recognizes in practice.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Certificate of Incorporation, with verified Portuguese translation
• 3. Fifteen prints of the mark
• 4. Priority document (if applicable), with verified Portuguese translation

Renewal

• 1. As the law came into effect in August 2007, no renewals will be due until August 2017

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, notarized, with verified Portuguese translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, notarized, with verified Portuguese translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized

License/Registered User

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. License Agreement, notarized, with verified Portuguese translation

Congo (DRC) (Formerly Zaire: sometimes called Congo (Zaire)). This country changed its name in 1997 from Zaire to République Démocratique du Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo) and for some years was referred to as Congo (Zaire) to distinguish it from its neighbor Congo (Brazzaville), a member state of OAPI.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, TRIPS

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed - a separate set of forms is required for each application
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed - a separate set of forms is required for each registration
• 2. Photocopy of the Certificate of registration*

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed
• 2. Photocopy of the Certificate of registration*
• 3a. In the case of an assignment: “Acte de Cession de Marque” in duplicate, notarized
• 3b. In the case of a merger: Certificate of Merger, with verified French translation and “Demande de Transmission de Marque” in duplicate, simply signed

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French translation
• 3. Photocopy of the Certificate of registration*

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Address/Declaration signed before a Notary Public, with verified French translation
• 3. Photocopy of the Certificate of registration*

License/Registered User

• 1. Power of Attorney in duplicate, simply signed, from the licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified French translation

*An original Certificate of Registration can be provided for endorsement purposes, if required.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Egypt.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation*
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English and Arabic translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation*

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation*
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified Arabic translation*
• 3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register, with verified Arabic translation*

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation*
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified Arabic translation*

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation*
• 2. Certificate of Change of Address, with verified Arabic translation*

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation from proprietor and licensee*
• 2. License Agreement, with verified Arabic translation*
• 3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register relating to licensee, with verified Arabic translation*

To be legalized up to an Egyptian Consul.

International Arrangements

None

The implementing Regulations needed to give effect to the 2006 Trade mark Registration and Protection Proclamation in Ethiopia were published on 24 December 2012. The eighteen-month ‘sunrise period’ for re-registering existing trademarks deposits, filed before 7 July 2006, took effect from 24 December 2012. Following a further six month extension, the ‘sunrise period’ expired 24 December 2014 and it is no longer possible to re-register trademarks filed before 7 July 2006. A new application must be filed.

Applications filed between 7 July 2006 and 24 December 2012 will be dealt with under the 2006 law and do not need to be re-registered as the seven-year term under the new law applies. We recommend that these should continue to be prosecuted and finalized. It is, however, necessary to revalidate them by applying for new certificates of registration upon payment of additional fees.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS. There are no provisions for CERTIFICATION and DEFENSIVE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney.*
• 2. Certified copy of corresponding home or foreign registration, with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.
  OR
  Certified copy of the proprietor’s Business License (if available) detailing the goods and/or services to be covered by the application, with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator. If the proprietor’s country does not have a Business License system then a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation may be used instead provided it lists the business activities as being closely related to the goods/services to be protected in Ethiopia.
• 3. Sixteen prints, except for word marks in ordinary type.
• 4. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.

Revalidation of Applications Filed between 7 July 2006 and 24 December 2012

• 1. Simple copy of the original registration certificate (if not on our records)

Renewal

• 1. Power of attorney* – only if we have not attended to previous publications

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Deed of Assignment, or other instrument of title, with English translation, signed and stamped by the translator*
• 3. Sixteen prints, except for word marks in ordinary type

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Certificate of change of name, with English translation, signed and stamped by the translator*

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney*

License/Registered User

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. License Agreement, with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator*

* To be legalized up to an Ethiopian Consul.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Protocol. Gambia is also a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) but has not yet subscribed to the Banjul Protocol.

A new Industrial Property Act came into effect on 2 April 2007, and replaces the antiquated Trademarks Act of 1916. The new Regulations to accompany the Act came into effect on 1 January 2011.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 2. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Effective date of Assignment/Merger

Change of Name

• 1. Effective date of Change of Name

Change of Address

• 1. Effective date of Change of Address

License/Registered User

• License agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS On 25 July 2014, the Trademarks (Amendment) Act, 876 of 2014, came into force. As a result, the Madrid Protocol has been officially incorporated into Ghanaian law and it is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Ghana.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS On 25 July 2014, the Trademarks (Amendment) Act, 876 of 2014, came into force. As a result, the Madrid Protocol has been officially incorporated into Ghanaian law and it is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Ghana.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS After an interval of doubt following Kenya’s accession in 1998, it is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Kenya.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Madagascar.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, notarized, with verified French translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, notarized, with verified French translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, notarized using a round “seal”, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, notarized using a round “seal”, with verified French translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Twelve prints, except for word marks in ordinary type - no printing block required
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, TRIPS

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney*
• 2. Six prints, except for word marks in ordinary type - no printing block required
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation*

Change of Name

• 1. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation (if executed within a British Commonwealth country no authentication is necessary, otherwise see notes (i) & (ii) below)

Change of Address

• 1. No documents required

License/Registered User

• 1. License Agreement, with verified English translation signed before or certified by a Notary Public

* (i) If signed in a Hague Convention country - to be legalized by Apostille.
(ii) If signed in any other country - to be legalized up to a Consul for Mauritius.

A Moroccan application also covers Tangier. If clients have registrations in both Morocco and Tangier, it is only necessary to maintain one of these. Please see country information for Tangier for full details of the change in law.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS
It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Morocco.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each application
• 2. Positive film and fifteen prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each registration
• 2. Fifteen prints, even for word marks in ordinary type

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, notarized, with verified French translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement in duplicate, legalized up to a Consul for Morocco, with verified French translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS
It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Mozambique.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified Portuguese translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation
  In addition to ten-yearly renewals it is also necessary to file a DIU (Declaration of Intent to Use) every five years. The DIU itself is the only document needed.

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, notarized, with verified Portuguese translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, notarized, with verified Portuguese translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney from proprietor and licensee, notarized, incorporating a Portuguese translation
• 2. License Agreement, notarized with verified Portuguese translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS The current Trade Mark law contains no reference to the Madrid arrangements. The Industrial Property Act 2012, which makes detailed provisions for International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations, is not yet in force. Until the 2012 Act becomes effective, it would not be prudent to rely on International registrations as enforceable in this territory.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS and DEFENSIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of SERIES MARKS or COLLECTIVE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Nigeria is a member of the Paris Union, but has not yet published a Convention Countries Order concerning Trademarks. Accordingly, we have concerns regarding the enforceability of such claims. Nevertheless, in practice the Registry does accept applications claiming convention priority, and accordingly we will proceed on this basis. Please be aware that should action need to be taken which relies on the priority date, the validity of the claim may be open to challenge. TRIPS.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS*, CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

* Provisions for SERVICE MARKS were introduced by Ministerial Decree in 2007 and the Registrar is now processing such applications. As yet, the Trademarks Act has not been amended.

OAPI registrations afford protection in: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Republic of), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo and the Union of the Comoros*.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol) OAPI deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol on 5 December 2014. In order to give effect to its Madrid obligations, legislation must be passed which recognizes those obligations. No such legislation has been passed. Consequently, International registrations are currently unenforceable in this territory.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
An application may cover more than one class of goods or services (additional fees being payable in respect of the fourth and each subsequent class) but goods and services cannot both be covered in the same application.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French or English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of attorney, simply signed
• 2. Simple copy of last Certificate of Renewal (if applicable)

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. a. In the case of an assignment: Deed of Assignment drawn by and signed by both parties before a Notary Public, with verified French or English translation
  b. In the case of a merger: Certificate of Merger, with verified French or English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French or English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement which should be drawn by and signed by both parties before a Notary Public, with verified French or English translation

* Effective date 25 May 2013. Unless a registration filed before this date is specifically extended to cover the Comoros, it will not do so until its next renewal.

Note: Mayotte is not part of the Union of the Comoros; it is a French overseas “département” and is therefore covered by French trade mark registration.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Rwanda. Rwanda is also a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) but has not yet subscribed to the Banjul Protocol.

A new Industrial Property Act came into effect on 14 December 2009, and replaces the Trade Mark Law of 1963.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized - a separate form is required for each application
• 2. Simple copy of the Certificate of Registration

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation
• 3. Simple copy of the Certificate of Registration

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation
• 3. Simple copy of the Certificate of Registration

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, notarized
• 2. Simple copy of the Certificate of Registration

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, notarized, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified English translation
• 3. Simple copy of the Certificate of Registration

International Arrangements

Paris Union

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney from proprietor and licensee signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement signed before a Notary Public or under corporate seal, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS

Although Sierra Leone is a member of the Paris Convention there is no provision in the legislation relating to international arrangements. It is not possible, therefore, to claim Convention priority.

In addition, Sierra Leone is a common law country, and in order to give effect to its Madrid obligations, legislation must be passed which recognizes those obligations. No such legislation has been passed. Consequently, International registrations are unenforceable in this territory.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of UNITED KINGDOM TRADEMARKS.
There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS and SERIES MARKS.
There are no provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS or DEFENSIVE MARKS (although any DEFENSIVE MARK registered in the United Kingdom is entitled to registration under the special trade mark provisions).

Classification

The old British Classification of fifty classes applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certified copy of corresponding U.K. registration if goods are of cotton and fall in Classes 23, 24 or 25 or if registration is based on a corresponding U.K. registration
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Proof of renewal of basic U.K. registration (if applicable)

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title with verified English translation, or proof of recordal of assignment of basic registration in U.K. (if applicable)

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation, or proof of recordal of change of name against basic U.K. registration (if applicable)

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Proof of recordal of change of address against basic U.K. registration (if applicable)

License/Registered User

In the case of independent trademarks, no provisions exist for the recordal of Licenses In the case of U.K.-based registrations the documents required are as follows:

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Proof of recordal of registered user against basic U.K. registration

International Arrangements

Paris Union, TRIPS

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS and COLLECTIVE MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of SERIES MARKS or DEFENSIVE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol) Despite former doubts arising from Sudan’s Common-Law heritage and the lack of specific provisions in national law, it is generally considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in this country. However a small possibility may remain that certain decisions upholding ITMRs may be challenged on appeal.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS.
There are no provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized
• 2. Fifteen prints
• 3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register, with verified English translation*
• 4. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized
  N.B. Registered User entries must also be renewed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized
• 2a. In the case of a merger: Certificate of Merger, with verified English translation*
• 2b In the case of an Assignment
  (i) Form TM11
  (ii) Form TM12 signed before a Notary Public
  (iii) Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register relating to the assignee, with verified English translation*
  (iv) Deed of Assignment, with verified English translation (Must be recorded within six months of the effective date)*

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation*

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized

License/Registered User

• 1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

* To be legalized up to a Sudanese Consul.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol), TRIPS Swaziland is a Common-Law country and legislation must be passed to be certain that its Madrid obligations are given full legal effect. No such legislation has been passed. Consequently, even though the Trade Mark Office recognizes and processes International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations to some extent, it would not be prudent to rely on International registrations as enforceable in this territory.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.
There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or CERTIFICATION MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Proof of use by way of a Statement accompanied by a specimen of the mark as used

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Original or certified copy of Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified English translation

Although Tanzania (mainland) and Zanzibar have joined to form the United Republic of Tanzania, no unified Industrial Property Law has been enacted and separate registrations must be obtained in each territory.

International Arrangements

Paris Union, TRIPS

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation
• 3. Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation
• 3. Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol) It is considered that International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations are effective in Tunisia.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS and CERTIFICATION MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each application
• 2. Positive film and ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed - a separate form is required for each registration
• 2. Positive film and ten prints, even for word marks in ordinary type

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified French translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. License Agreement, with verified French translation

International Arrangements

Although Uganda is a member of the Paris Union, there is no provision in the legislation relating to international arrangements, and so, technically, it should not be possible to claim Convention priority. However, the Registry is, in practice, accepting priority claims.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Ten prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable) with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS

Zambia is a Common-Law country and legislation must be passed to be certain that its Madrid obligations are given full legal effect. No such legislation has been passed. Consequently, even though the Trade Mark Office recognizes and processes International (Madrid) Trade Mark Registrations to some extent, it would not be prudent to rely on International registrations as enforceable in this territory.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Twelve prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation
• 3. License Agreement, with verified English translation

International Arrangements

ARIPO, Paris Union, Madrid Union (Protocol), TRIPS Zimbabwe deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol on 11 December 2014.

Categories of Trademarks

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS, COLLECTIVE MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS and SERIES MARKS.

Classification

The International Classification of goods and services applies.
A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required

New Application

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Twelve prints, except for word marks in ordinary type
• 3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation

Renewal

• 1. No documents required

Assignment/Merger

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation

Change of Name

• 1. Power of Attorney, simply signed
• 2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation

Change of Address

• 1. No documents required

License/Registered User

• 1. Powers of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee
• 2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation License Agreement, with verified English translation