ETHIOPIA

Trade Mark Services & Trade Mark Lawyers

Forms part of

Ethiopia follows a multi-class filing system and recognises both goods and services classes in terms of the 8th Edition of the Nice Classification.

The total time from filing to registration is approximately 25 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal and substantive requirements and are published in the official gazette after registration. Trade marks may be opposed within 60 days of the date of publication.

Ethiopia is a first to file jurisdiction. Common law trade mark rights are recognised although not specifically dealt with in terms of existing legislation. Well-known trade marks are also not specifically recognised in Ethiopia.

Trade mark registrations are valid for 7 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for 7-year periods thereafter.

A registered trade mark may be cancelled on action by an interested party if it has not been used for a continuous period of 3 years after the date of registration.

Customs recordals are possible.