Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Trademark Registration and Protection Proclamation No. 501/2006 dealing with the protection of trademarks in Ethiopia was published on 7 July 2006 in force since January 2013. Ethiopia is not a member of the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. Trademark protection is obtained by registration. It can also be acquired by sufficient public recognition.

 Trademark registration classification:

Nice Classification

 Requirements:  

  • Full name address and nationality of the applicant(s)
  • A list of goods and service classified in accordance with the international classification of goods and services for which registration of the mark is requested and the class number of the classification;
  • When the application for registration is filled through an agent, it shall be accompanied by a duly authenticated power of attorney certified up to Ethiopian consular level.
  • Certificate of Business License, or a notarized letter from a lawyer stating that the country concerned does not issue business licenses, or a certified copy of a home registration of the mark, with a verified English translation. 
  • In the absence of a home registration, a certified copy of a registration anywhere else in the world will be sufficient.
  • Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.

 Procedure:

  • The application for registration is filed with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO). 
  • The office shall, upon receipt of the application examine it for form and content.
  • Following this, the application will undergo formality and substantive examinations.
  • If the application is accepted, a notice inviting possible opposition to the registration of the mark will then be published in a gazette having nationwide circulation.
  • If no opposition is lodged, EIPO will register the mark and issue a certificate of registration in favor of the registrant
  • The approximate time frame for completing the registration process of a trademark in Ethiopia is about 5 to 7 months from the filing date.

Duration and Renewal: Protection begins with the date of application. A trademark registration is valid for 7 years from date of application. The registration is renewable for consecutive periods of 7 years.


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