Malawi is a party the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), the Madrid System for international registration of trade marks and the Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. It is possible to claim priority under the Paris Convention.

The total time from filing to registration is approximately 18 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal and substantive requirements and are published in the official gazette after acceptance. Trade marks may be opposed within 2 months from the date of publication.

Well-known trade marks in terms of the Paris Convention are recognised in Malawi.

Trade mark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for 10-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 5 years after the date of registration.

Customs recordals are not possible.