How To Register A Trademark In Nigeria: 5 Easy Steps


One of the functions of a trademark is that it is used to differentiate
the goods and services of one business from the others,in essence a trademark is a symbol or sign that is unique and distinctive to the services you provide. 

As part of the law in Nigeria, the Trademarks Act Chapter 436 of 1990, provides for registration of Trademark.
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A trademark can be in the form of a name,slogan, domain name, shape, color or sound.

In this post we will take a look at how you can easily register a trademark in Nigeria with the Commercial Law department, Ministry of  Trade and Investment in Nigeria.
You can register your trademark online or onsite at the office. 

How To Register A Trademark In Nigeria

Listed below are the requirements:

  • 1. Your trademark information must be crystal clear and distinct,If you are filling it online, the soft copies are to be provided in jpeg format at a minimum of 1200 dpi with dimensions of 120px by 100px (length by breath).
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  • 2. Provide your full name,nationality and physical address.
  • 3. In case of Trademark for goods, the International Classification of Goods is the standard used in Nigeria.
  • 4. A Power of Attorney simply signed, with full particulars of name(s), address (es) and nationality of the applicant(s). Full name(s) and capacity of the signatory when applicant is a firm/company.

Steps/Procedures For Registering Of Trademarks

Step 1 - 

The first step towards the registration of your trademark is to instruct an Attorney or Agent in Nigeria,who would file and process the applications at the Nigerian Registry of Trade Marks, Patents, Designs and Copyright.

Step 2 - 

After filing the application,the registrar will issue an official acknowledgement reflecting the official number and filing date of the application.

Step 3 - 

A search will be conducted in other to confirm that yout trademark is different from other existing or pending registration.
If the Registrar finds the trademark acceptable for registration after searching,a letter of acceptance will be issued.
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Step 4 - 

Your trademark application will then be advertised for 8 weeks (2 months) and is open to opposition from the date of advertisement. 

Step 5 - 


If after 2 months no objection was received,the Registrar will then proceed and issue a certificate of registration.

Note

(a) The trademark registration certificate will have the date of initial filing of registration.

Read Also: CAC Registration Fees For Nigerian Businesses 

(b) Nigerian trade mark registrations have an initial validity of 7 years, after which you are expected to renew it indefinitely for a period of 14 years. An application for renewal should be made not less than 3 months from the due date.



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