Do foreign brands need to trademark their brands in Nigeria?

Do foreign brands need to trademark their brands in Nigeria?

June 14, 2019

A trademark represents a company or brand once it is legally registered. Trademarks are unique identifiers that can differentiate companies or brands from one another.

A trademark can be a symbol, logo, word or words that represent the image of a company or brand. The importance of trademark is that it protects the identity of the business and takes priority according to who registers it first.

A registered trademark lasts for seven years in Nigeria and can be renewed from time to time.

A trademark can be registered by both Nigerian brands and foreign brands in Nigeria.

A foreign brand in Nigeria needs to register its brand in Nigeria within six (6) months of registration in the home country. The effective date of registration in Nigeria based on the claim of foreign priority will be the date of initial registration in the home country.

 

 

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, no information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or professional advice from the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer. This post is protected by intellectual property law and regulations. It may however be shared using appropriate sharing tools provided that our authorship is always acknowledged and this Disclaimer Notice attached

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Frequently Asked

  • What additional documents do I require to file my Annual Returns?
  • 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 a testimonium clause in an agreement?

    This is the part of the agreement where the witness attests to have witnessed the execution of the agreement.
  • Do I have to physically drop off my product sample at NAFDAC office?

    No, you can choose to have it sent to NAFDAC office
  • 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.
  • What is the importance of registering a patent?

    The main reason to register a patent is to ensure that the inventor is able to exclusively commercially exploit an invention. The rights to a patent are vested in the “Statutory Inventor” i.e. the first person to file and register the patent.
  • What are the product categories available when registering with NAFDAC?

    The product categories include: Food, Cosmetics, Drug, Medical Device, Agro-Chemicals & Pesticide, Veterinary Products, Vaccines & Biologicals, Herbal and Nutraceuticals and Water
  • 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.
  • How long does a trademark registration in Nigeria Last?

    Trademark is valid for seven years from the date of application but you may renew the application for the trademark for an additional period of 14years.
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