Rwanda is a party to 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 10 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 30 days from the date of publication, although there is some uncertainty around the length of the opposition period.

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

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.