A trademark can be defined as a symbol, word, or phrase that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from those of others. It helps people tell the difference between that business and others in the market.
A patent is an exclusive right granted to an inventor for a new and useful invention.
Registering a trademark provides exclusive rights, brand protection, investors' confidence, and legal recourse against infringement.
A design refers to the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, or ornamentation.
Registering a patent provides exclusive rights, protection from copying, and investment protection.
Utility patents typically last for 20 years, while design patents last for 15 years. However, a yearly (annual) renewal is required for both.
Registering a design protects the unique visual appearance of a product and provides exclusive rights.
A trademark registration is valid for an initial period of 7 years from the date of registration. After the first term, it can be renewed indefinitely in 14-year intervals
YES! Register and conduct a preliminary search on the Intellectual Property Office (IPO Nigeria), the digital platform of the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry of the Commercial Law Department - a department under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure your mark isn’t already registered or similar to an existing one.
Registering intellectual property provides protection, exclusive rights, and a competitive advantage.
Deceptive and scandalous marks, designs, or marks that are likely to confuse are not eligible for trademark registration/protection. Also, Names of chemical substances, geographical names in their ordinary specification or any matter contrary to law or morality are ineligible for trademark registration/protection.
At the filing stage, the trademark owner may disclaim any right to the exclusive use of any part of the mark which contains matter common to trade or otherwise of a non-distinctive character.
Accredited trademark attorneys, agents, individuals, companies and firms can file trademark applications on behalf of trademark applicants or owners.
Payment can be made online through debit/credit cards.
No. Both words and logos are registrable as trademark. You may decide to register word only, logo only or both word and logo. However a mark representation is required.
Representation simply means a visual sample of the trademark in the exact manner it appears.
No, a trademark registration is valid only for particular the class of goods or services in respect of which it is registered. However, if protection is sought to cover all the classes, the applicant will have to apply for registration in each of the desired classes.
Yes, trademark can be sold through a deed of assignment which must be registered with the Registrar of Trademarks to give effect to it. It can also be licensed and given effect to the Registrar of Trademarks approving a Registered User application.
Trademarks registration is territorial and has legal effect only in the territory (country) where it is registered, therefore an applicant may wish to apply for registration in all the country where he desires protection.
The process can take 3 months to 1 year, depending on backlogs and oppositions. Early preparation and legal support can speed things up.
The decision comes amid accumulating warnings from scientists that human-caused climate change is increasing the likelihood of more severe floods, droughts, storms and other calamities.great for:
Yes! If you are a foreign brand or business planning to expand in Nigeria, you should protect your mark by registering through the Nigerian Trademark Registry. However, you are required to use a local agent, and the application must meet the national criteria for trademark protection. Please note that although Nigeria is a member of WIPO, International brands registered through WIPO are not recognized in Nigeria.
