Frequently Asked

• Why must I file Annual Returns?

  It is a mandatory statutory requirement under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to file Annual Returns yearly. 

• What’s the difference between a business name and an LLC?

  • A business name is a sole proprietorship, usually owned and managed by one individual only. Legally, the sole proprietor and his business are one. It simply means an individual trading with an alias. The sole proprietor is personally liable for all business related obligations.

  • A limited liability company on the other hand is a separate business entity from the individuals that hold its shares and act as directors. Legally, it’s a separate business entity and a person on its own who can transact business, own property separate from its owners and can sue or be sued. 

• What are the terms of a contract?

  • an offer and an acceptance.
  • competent parties
  • Consideration
  • Legal subject matter
  • Mutual agreement/ Assent
  • Conesus ad idem
  • Obligation

• What are the benefits of Registering with SON?

  1. Product traceability in the Nigerian market
  2. Detection of counterfeit products
  3. Barriers to the circulation of substandard goods
  4. The official SON Product Registration Logo and number are displayed on registered products.

• Is it legal to transfer the personal data you obtained legally to another person?

  No, its not legal. This is because the law prohibits anyone from transferring the data of a third party to another person without consent from the third party to do same even if the data was rightfully obtained in the first instance.

• What is the difference between licensing and assigning a patent?

  Licensing a patent means granting permission to another individual or organisation to make, use as well as sell the creation that has been protected by patent.

  A patent assignment on the other hand, is a finished exchange of patent rights starting with one individual then onto another person.

• Is there a penalty for late renewal of registration of products with NAFDAC?

  Yes, there is a late renewal fee, which is dependent on the category of the product.

• Who can be directors in my company?

  Any two adults can be directors in a company.

• Does a trademark search automatically reserve my trademark name?

  No, a trademark search does not automatically reserve that which is sought to be trademarked. A search ascertains whether that which is sought to be trademarked is available or violates any existing trademark.