Trade Mark Registration Process in Nigeria

The Trade Mark registration process in Nigeria may sound complicated, but with the necessary requirements plus a bit of patience, you’ll be able to do it. Here’s how the Trade Mark registration process goes.
Part 1: The Trade Mark Search
To start the Trade Mark registration process in Nigeria, a search must first take place. This is to make sure that the Trade Mark that you, the applicant, are trying to register won’t be in trouble for infringement.You can also take the help of Trade Mark Attorney Nigeria who will guide you and will provide you the right solution.
You’ll have to approach the Trade Mark Registrar and give them your Trade Mark name and logo for the search to commence.
Once the information has been handed over, the search will take place. It takes about 24 to 72 hours, so you’ll have to be patient.
Part 2: The Application Process
At this point, the turnaround period has passed. And because your Trade Mark is unique, you have received a notification that you can proceed with the application.
To continue with the process, you’d have to go to the Trade Mark Registry. They’ll ask you to fill out two forms: Form 1, which pertains to agent authorization i.e. the Power of Attorney, and Form 2, the information about the company who owns the mark.
After you have filled out the forms, you’ll then have to provide other necessary information such as the company’s name, applicant’s signature, words that the company came up with, words that aren’t related to the goods’ character or quality, and other distinctive marks.
Once all those requirements are handed over, you’ll be receiving an Acknowledgement Letter as a confirmation that the Trade Mark has been filed. You’ll then have to wait for 3 to 4 months before you can proceed with the next step.
Part 3: Trade Mark Accepted!
After months of waiting, you’ll receive the Acceptance Letter. This means your Trade Mark has been accepted for publication. Afterwards, the Trade Mark will be published in the Trade Mark Journal, a journal that is published quarterly, and then a Trade Mark Certificate will then be issued.
What if you’re not as lucky?
There are times when Trade Mark(s) submitted for registration won’t push through with the process. It could be because the Trade Mark(s) are not that distinct, or that it’s found to infringe another existing mark. In these cases, a Notice of Refusal will be received by the applicant rather than the Acceptance Letter.
This is not final, though. The applicant’s lawyers or the agents can still appeal to the Trade Mark Registrar and provide convincing reasons for the mark to be registered and published.
If the Examiner finds their appeal convincing, that’s when an Acceptance Letter will be issued. If not, then another Notice of Refusal will be given out. This process takes about 3 months.
Part 4: Renewal
After 7 years, you would have to renew the registration. To proceed with renewal, Form 12 has to be filled out and submitted, which shows the applicant name, the Trade Mark and its class, together with the Trade Mark Certificate number.
The renewal process will take place for about 1 to 2 months. The Trade Mark can still continue as usual upon successful completion. If you are facing any problem in Trade Mark registration, then contact Intellectual Properties Attorney Lagos as they have the knowledge and expertise to guide you and make the whole process simple.
