Nigeria is a party to the Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property, however, it is not possible to claim priority as Nigeria’s national trade mark legislation has not been amended to give effect to the Paris Convention.

The total time from filing to registration is approximately 24 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal requirements only 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 not recognised in Nigeria.

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 5 years after the date of registration.

Customs recordals are possible.