The Banjul protocol on marks is currently effective in 13 ARIPO states: Botswana, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Gambia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Fees associated with filing trademark applications in ARIPO as well as other trademark fees are available in the fee calculator.
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Multiple-class applications
Multiple-class applications are possible in ARIPO.
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Filing requirements in ARIPO
The language of proceedings before ARIPO is English.
To obtain the date of filing, it is necessary that the application on the face of it seems to include:
- request to register a trademark;
- name and address of the applicant;
- designation of one or more Contracting States, where registration is requested;
- 4 copies of representation of the trade mark;
- priority claim (if necessary);
- list of goods and services.
A simply signed Power of Attorney should be submitted on filing the application or within 2 months from the filing date.
A copy of the Priority Document should be filed within 3 months from the date of filing.
The term for filing a trademark application in ARIPO claiming conventional priority is six months from the priority date.
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Examination, publication and opposition to a trademark application in ARIPO
Only examination as to formal requirements is conducted. However, the national offices may conduct substantive examination if so prescribed by the national laws. Applications accepted by the national offices are then published in the Marks Journal. Oppositions may be launched within 3 months following the publication of the application.
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Grant, validity term and trademark renewal
Subject to the grant fee payment, a trademark will be registered at the expiration of three months from the application publication. Trademarks are valid for a period of ten years from the filing date, renewable unlimited number of times for further periods of ten years. Renewal fees should be paid before the expiration of the registration period. Late payment is possible within a grace period of 6 months on payment of the corresponding surcharge.
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Duration of registration procedure
The process of trademark registration in ARIPO takes approximately 12-18 months.
Trademark may be cancelled on the non-use basis if the national law contains such regulations.
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Representation by a trademark attorney
For foreign applicants not residing or not having their principal place of business in ARIPO contracting states, it is necessary to perform trademark registration through an agent, a patent or trademark attorney authorized to represent applicants before any IP office of the Banjul protocol countries.
Online Search Database for ARIPO trademarks, International Trademarks.
Brief summary is based on the information provided by PalladiumIP Consultants on 04.03.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with ARIPO IP Laws