• Trademark fees

Fees associated with filing the trademark applications in Nigeria, as well as other trademark fees, are available in the fee calculator.

• Multiple-class applications

Multiple-class trademark applications are not possible in Nigeria. A separate application should be filed per each class.

• Filing requirements in Nigeria

The official language of prosecution of the Nigerian trademark application is English. All application documents must be translated into English at the time of filing.

For obtainment of the date of filing a trademark application in Nigeria must contain:
- the representation of a trademark;
- applicant’s details;
- the list of the goods and/or services;
- proof of payment of the prescribed fees.

The legalization or notarization of the Power of Attorney is not required. A scan copy thereof may be submitted upon or after filing of the application.

Currently, it is not possible to claim conventional priority when filing a trademark application in Nigeria.

• Publication, opposition and examination of a trademark application in Nigeria

Once a trademark application has been accepted by the IPO, it undergoes formal and substantive examinations.

Any third party may file an opposition to the application within two months from the date of publication thereof.

• Grant, validity term and trademark renewal

The official grant fee is due upon issuance of the Notice of Allowance. The validity term of a trademark in Nigeria is 7 years from the filing date and renewable for the successive periods of 14 years. An application for renewal must be filed 3 months before the expiration date of the registration. The trademark may be renewed within 1 month after the renewal due date providing that a corresponding surcharge has been paid. It is possible to restore missed 1-month term for payment of the renewal fee upon payment of the stipulated surcharge. There is no set deadline for said restoration.

• Duration of registration procedure

The processing time from first filing to registration is approximately 12-16 months in case of a smooth procedure.

• Use requirement

Registration of the trademark in Nigeria can be cancelled on the grounds of non-use upon a third party’s request if it has not been used for five consecutive years before such a request has been filed.

• Representation by a trademark attorney

Foreign applicants must perform trademark prosecution through a registered Nigerian Trademark Attorney.

Brief summary is based on the information provided by Hectagon and Shields Solicitors on 09.02.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Nigerian IP Laws