A registered trademark gives its owner the exclusive right to use the mark in Nigeria in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered, and the right to take action against infringers. Registering a business name or company with the Corporate Affairs Commission does not give these rights. Many businesses discover this only when a competitor or counterfeiter starts using a similar name.
Trademarks in Nigeria are governed by the Trade Marks Act and registered at the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry in Abuja, which is part of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
What can be registered
- Brand names and product names
- Logos and devices
- Slogans and taglines
- Combinations of words and designs
- Marks for goods and for services, in the relevant classes
The registration process
- Availability search: checking the Registry for identical or similar marks in the relevant classes
- Application: filing in the correct class or classes with a clear representation of the mark
- Examination: the Registry examines the application and issues an acceptance, or raises objections we respond to
- Publication: the accepted mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal, starting a two-month period during which third parties may oppose
- Registration: if there is no successful opposition, the mark is registered and a certificate issued
Registration lasts for an initial period of seven years and can be renewed for further periods of fourteen years, indefinitely, provided renewal fees are paid on time.
For international brand owners
Nigeria is not currently a member of the Madrid System for international registration, so foreign brand owners need to file national applications in Nigeria. We act for brand owners and their foreign counsel, and handle filing, prosecution, renewals and recordals of assignments and changes of name.
Protecting the brand after registration
Registration is the foundation. We also monitor the Trade Marks Journal for conflicting marks, take action against infringement and counterfeiting, and document licences to franchisees and distributors.
