Search is not mandatory. However, it will help identify similar registered trademarks. That way, a new application may be submitted, assuring that it will not violate the rights of prior trademark owners. It will also help the applicant reconsider the particulars of the trademark before going through with the registration process only to be rejected. This will minimize costs and save time because the applicant will be able to make sure the trademark meets the legal requirements needed for registration. According to the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, a trademark search may take up to two weeks. A report will be prepared by our firm with legal opinions and recommendations based on the results of the search. With that in mind, the search and the report will be finalized within 3-5 days. What materials should be prepared in advance? A sample of the trademark, a description of the trademark, and a defined class of goods or services are required. What contents are included within the search report?The search report will identify whether or not similar & identical trademarks were registered under such a class of goods or services. If there is a similar trademark, then it will show the display, registration number, date of registration, and description of the mark. Our firm will give legal opinions and recommendations based on the results of the search.

The application procedure for trademark registration in Ethiopia is as follows: • Hiring a trademark agent, • Preparing the sample trademark, • Submitting a duly completed application, • Publishing the trademark in a newspaper (notice for call of opposition), • If there is no opposition to the application after two months of publishing the trademark in the newspaper, receiving the certificate of registration from the EIPA would be the final step. Assuming all documents are in order, the registration usually takes 3 to 4 months. Subject to the complexity of each case, it may take up to 6 months in some cases. Required Documents: The following documents shall be presented to register a trademark:Since the application for the registration of a trademark is filed through the agent, it shall be an accompanied Authenticated Power of Attorney. The Power of Attorney shall be notarized and legalized by a public notary or by other competent authorities and then by Ethiopian Embassy situated in a country where the applicant resides.   Original (a certified copy) of the Registration Certificate of the trademark in any country or Original (a certified copy) of the applicant’s Certificate of Incorporation (or an extract from the Commercial Register which indicates the business purpose of the applicant) or Original (a certified copy) of the Business License of the applicant which indicates the business purpose (all in English, or with official translation).Sample of trademark: One (1) big size on A-4 paper) and (Eight (8) pieces on A-4 paper) Duly signed completed application form in two (2) copies Once an application is submitted, the EIPA will examine the application and it will only provide a notice when there is a correction is required. As for our firm, we will update applicants on each step taken during the application for trademark registration. A trademark certificate is usually issued for a single good or service class. If the trademark covers more than one class of goods or services the fee shall include an additional payment of 50% for the service fee at the EIPA.

The registration of a trademark shall remain valid for a period of seven years from the date of submission of the application for registration. The renewal process takes less than a month. Documents Required: A duly signed application form, certificate of trademark, receipt for the payment of the renewal fee, and authenticated power of attorney are required for renewal. Renewal of the registration of a trademark shall be made within three months after the expiry of the registration period; however, after the expiry of the three months period, the registration may be renewed within the next six months, by paying in addition to the regular renewal fee.