Intellectual Property Lawyers in Nigeria

Nigeria Trade Marks Act, 1990

Single-Class Filing System
Classification of goods / services - Nice Classification 10th Edition
Member of Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention
International filing under Madrid Protocol and Madrid Agreement – Not Applicable
Protection Term - 7 years from filing date
Opposition Period - 2 months
Use - a registered mark may be subject to cancellation action by interested parties if it has not been used for 5 consecutive years
Renewal application can be made within 3 months before expiry of registration
Renewal Duration - 14 years

Power of attorney, simply signed
Certified copy of the priority document if claimed
If the intended mark is a device only, then a name of the device should be specified

Power of attorney, simply signed

Power of attorney, simply signed
Deed of assignment
Copy of the registration certificate, or copy of the application as filed if the mark is a pending application

Power of attorney, simply signed
Merger agreement
Copy of the registration certificate, or copy of the application as filed if the mark is a pending application

Power of attorney, simply signed
License agreement
Copy of the registration certificate, or copy of the application as filed if the mark is a pending application

Power of attorney, simply signed
Document attesting the change
Copy of the registration certificate, or copy of the application as filed if the mark is a pending application

Nigeria Patents and Designs Act, 1971

Member of PCT and Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention within 12 months from the first filing date
Term of protection - 20 years
Annuities fall due annually and only become payable upon grant

Power of attorney, simply signed
Three copies of the specifications and claims of the patent
Three copies of the formal drawings, if any
Deed of assignment if the applicant is not the inventor
Priority document, if claimed
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

No documents required

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Deed of assignment

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Merger agreement
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
License agreement
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Proof of change of name or address
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Nigeria Patents and Designs Act, 1971

Member of Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention within 6 months from the first filing date
Term of protection - 5 years
Design protection can be renewed for a further two consecutive periods of 5 years
Renewal fees must be paid within 12 months before the renewal due date

Power of attorney, simply signed
Three sets of specimens or representations of the design
The article/product covered by the design and the material used in producing these items
Description of the design indicating its novel aspects
Certified copy of the priority document if claimed
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

No documents required

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Deed of assignment
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Merger agreement
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
License agreement
Late filing of documents allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of the certificate of registration
Proof of change of name or address
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date with penalty

Trademark Registration Process

Learn more about the process

Trademark Review

Your lawyers will help you to review the trademark(s) to be registered and advise you of the best protection approach according to the country laws and requirements.

Trademark Classification

With the knowledge of your goods/services, your lawyers will assist you with identifying the most appropriate international class for your trademark.

Trademark Search

Although not mandatory, a trademark clearance search should be conducted to establish if your trademark can be registered and used in the market.

Filing

Your lawyers will submit your application for registration after reviewing and confirming that all formal requirements by the respective IPO have been met.

Examination

At this stage, the IPO will examine whether your trademark fulfills the requirements of the applicable trademark law.

Publication

After the examination process, the trademark is published and third parties may submit an opposition against it being registered. Your lawyers' role is to address and respond to any oppositions and ensure that your trademark proceeds to registration.

Registration

After the opposition period, your trademark is registered and a certificate of registration is issued.

Watch Service

Registration of the trademark is just the beginning, there is need for vigilance in the market. Your lawyers help you lookout for potential infringement through our trademark watch service.

Renewal

Trademark registration is valid for a specific period of years after which it has to be renewed, 10 years in most jurisdictions with a few exceptions. We got you covered.

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IP Office

Commercial Law Department: Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry, Ministry of Trade and Investment.

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