Business · Nigeria
Register a trademark
Protect a brand at the Trademarks, Patents & Designs Registry: search → file via accredited agent → examination → Journal publication → opposition → certificate.
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Who you will deal with
The steps
- Search the trademark register
- Trademarks, Patents & Designs Registry
- Search the register for availability of the mark in the relevant class(es). Applications must be filed through an accredited agent/lawyer (not personally).
- Proposed mark; goods/services class
- Search ~1-3 days; fee ~₦5,000-₦10,000
- File the application via an accredited agent
- Trademarks Registry (via agent)
- Issue a Power of Attorney to the agent and file the application. Filing fee about ₦50,000 per class.
- Power of Attorney; mark representation; applicant details
- Filing same day; ₦50,000/class
- Examination and acceptance
- Registrar of Trademarks
- The Registrar examines the mark for distinctiveness and compliance; issues an Acceptance letter if satisfied.
- Filed application
- ~3-6 months
- Publication and opposition
- Trademarks Registry
- The accepted mark is advertised in the Trademark Journal and is open to opposition for 2 months from advertisement.
- Acceptance letter
- 2-month opposition window
- Certificate of registration
- Trademarks Registry
- If unopposed and all fees are paid, the Registrar enters the mark and issues the certificate. Valid 7 years initially, then renewable every 14 years.
- No opposition; fees paid
- Total ~12-18 months; valid 7 yrs then renew every 14
Also in business
The numbers behind the decision
Knowing the process is half of it. ONYX also tracks the operating environment you are entering — daily grid generation, official FX, state-level input prices and inflation, and sector output — each figure source-linked and dated.