Regional Trademarks in Africa
Allows for a single trademark application to be effective across its designated members states
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is an intergovernmental organization for cooperation in Intellectual Property matters, founded in 1976 with the Lusaka Agreement. Its main objective is the development and protection of Intellectual Property rights in its member-states. ARIPO has 4 working protocols, one of which is the Banjul Protocol, which regulates trademark applications.
Trademark applications at ARIPO are examined by ARIPO examiners and are granted regionally and are effective in the designated member-states with the legal enforceability of national law. Although it is possible to designate all Banjul Protocol member-states with a trademark application, only Botswana and Zimbabwe have enacted national provisions to recognize ARIPO trademarks, which means that enforceability in the remaining countries is not clear.
ARIPO Map
Browse countries that have signed the Banjul Protocol
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Trademark Registration
Process
Monitor the process from the preparation for the trademark application to its maintenance phase. Inventa will accompany you every step of the way.
Trademark Identification
With your help, we identify the trademark to be registered and point out the elements worthy of protection, according to Trademark Law.
Identification of Jurisdictions
We define the best registration strategy, depending on the jurisdiction in which you wish to obtain protection, taking into consideration the many regional/international mechanisms for international protection.
Identification of Classes
Since the costs may vary depending on the number of classes, we identify the international classes corresponding to the goods/services you wish to market with your trademark.
Trademark Search
At this moment, you should conduct a trademark search (optional but highly recommended), be it with or without a legal opinion, in order to identify whether the trademark is free to be registered.
Application for Registration
We analyze whether the formal requirements have been met and submit the application for registration to the respective PTO.
Notification
After the formal examination, designated member-states are notified of the existence of the trademark and it is examined according to domestic law.
Opposition Period
After the publication of the trademark, third parties may submit an opposition against it being granted. We can respond to any objections, with the aim of ensuring that your trademark is registered.
Internationalization
You can extend the protection of your trademark at any time through national, regional, or international registrations in other jurisdictions.
Trademark Watch
Obtaining the rights to a trademark is of no use if you do not then exercise these rights. Therefore, it is necessary to be always on the lookout for infringements.
ARIPO - Banjul Protocol
Trademark Details and Timeframes
Priority claim
Available
Multi Class Application
Available
Well-known Trademarks
Unavailable
Search with legal opinion time frame
10 days
Time until registration
1 year
Opposition Period
90 days
Requirements
Application Requirements
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Applicant data.
- Sample of the mark (not required for word marks).
- List of goods and/or services.
- Copy of priority document (if applicable).
Renewal Requirements
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Registration number.
- The designated states for which renewal is requested.
Assignment Requirements
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Deed of Assignment.
Change of Name Requirements
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Certificate of change of name.
Change of Address Requirements
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
License Requirements
- Power of attorney from the licensor and licensee, simply signed.
- License agreement.
African Focus
Trust our extensive experience in Africa
Taking this into account, we are pleased to present our "Trademarks in Africa" and new "Patents in Africa" Booklets. These booklets contain comprehensive information regarding trademarks and patents in each African Jurisdiction.
Why Inventa?
Global Network with a special focus in Africa
Through a network of local offices, including several locations in Africa, and an extensive network of associates, we are committed in delivering a global coverage with local experience.
Experience
With over 45 years of experience in Intellectual Property, Inventa has served thousands of clients, from small entrepreneurs and startups, to multinationals holding large trademark and patent portfolios, and other entities dealing with R&D on a daily basis. Furthermore, our experience allows us to understand the caveats of the different industries, since we maintain relationships with clients from different sectors, including food and beverages companies, communications, IT, pharmaceutical, manufacturers, oil & gas companies, financial institutions, business services companies and more.
Tech drive
Inventa recognizes that in this day and age, information management and the internet have taken over many aspects of business. To accompany the changing needs of our clients, over the last few years we have increased our activity in the area of technological infrastructures and information systems. In this way, Inventa seeks to respond to the different demands of both the market and its clients.
Global Network
Thanks to our large network of contacts and associate level, we offer our clients a vast team of highly-specialized professionals in the Intellectual Property field and related strategic sectors. Our professionals guarantee highly-personalized and efficient accompaniment of all our services.
Local Presence in Africa
African Countries present some of the greater challenges when it comes to protecting Intellectual Property. As such, local presence is paramount to attain a high standard of quality, similar to what can be practiced in other regions. Our local presence in Africa allows us to deal with the challenges presented to us, whether it’s red tape, instability, cultural differences or language barriers. The key to our success in Africa has been the training of local technical staff and their demonstrated enthusiasm for Intellectual Property.
