Frequently Asked

• When are Annual Returns due for filing?

  A company’s first Annual Returns are due for filing after 18 months of its inception, subsequently it should be filed annually as the name implies. The filing dates could differ for each company depending on their financial year end but must be filed not later than 42 days after its Annual General Meeting.

  The Annual Returns for Business Names is due not later than the 30^th of June each year except in the year the business was registered.

• 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 is an execution clause in a contract?

  This is the section in which the parties sign the contract or agreement.

• 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.

• What is classified as personal data?

  Name, photograph, personal health/bio information, account/financial information, phone number, Address, date of birth, place of birth, Email address, etc.

• Why should I protect an industrial design?

  1. It gives commercial value to the owner.
  2. It protects the owner of the design from imitation of the design..
  3. It constitutes an asset of the company and it helps in fair return on investment.

• What will happen if I buy the wrong category of forms with NAFDAC?

  Nothing, the purchased form will be in your account for future use.

   

• Can a minor be a company director?

  No, a minor cannot be a director. A minor under Nigerian Law is anyone who is below 18 years of age.

• What do I need for a trademark search in Nigeria?

  To do a trademark search you will need the name or/and logo (device) of the trademark to be searched and the Class of the trademark that accurately describes it.