Trademark Renewal in Nigeria: A Guide for Brand Owners

Introduction

A trademark is a distinctive name, sign or symbol capable of being used to identify or differentiate the goods or services of one business from those of other businesses. Trademarks extend beyond logos or brand names but they embody the relationship between a business and its customers. Registering a trademark grants legal protection, ensuring that businesses can safeguard their brand identity and prevent unauthorised use of their intellectual property rights. However, obtaining trademark registration in Nigeria is usually not the end of the game in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights. This is because upon the registration of a trademark, which guarantees an exclusive right to the use of the mark in relation to the goods or services, the expiration period begins to count, after which it must be renewed. In other word, trademark protection is not perpetual and requires periodic renewal to remain valid. This article divulges the renewal timelines, steps for renewal, required documentation and key considerations for trademark owners.

Timelines, Steps and Required Documentation for the Renewal of Trademarks in Nigeria

In Nigeria, trademark must be registered in respect of particular goods or services, categorized into classes recognised by the Nigerian Trademarks and Designs Registry (‘the Registry’).’
A registered trademark in Nigeria, whether a name, logo or any representation or mark, has a seven (7) year validity period from the date of filing? after which an application must be filed to the Registry for its renewal. The application for renewal must be brought within three (3) months before the expiration date, though late filing of a renewal application can be brought, this will attract additional fees. A registered trademark is renewable for fourteen (14) years from the date of expiration of the original registration, with no limit to the number of renewals.