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.

• Do I need a Company Secretary?

  A limited liability company (LLC) must not have a company secretary.

• 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.

• 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.

• Can an industrial design be sold?

  An industrial design is a company asset and the right to sell is in the hands of the registered owner.

• When can I start renewal of the registration of my product(s) with NAFDAC?

  You can start renewal 6 months to the date of expiry.

• 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.

• Will my trademark registration in Nigeria protect me worldwide?

  No, all intellectual property (IP) rights which includes trademarks are territorial, which means you are protected in the countries in which you register them.