Nigerian Trademark Renewal: Your Complete Guide to Keeping Your Brand Protected Securing a trademark in Nigeria is a critical step for businesses looking to protect their brand identity. However, registering a trademark is only the beginning. To maintain exclusive rights and prevent your mark from lapsing, it’s crucial to file for trademark renewals on time. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your Nigerian trademark remains valid and protected. What is Nigerian Trademark Renewal? Trademark renewal in Nigeria is the legal process of extending the validity of your registered trademark. Trademarks in Nigeria are initially valid for seven years from the filing date. After this initial period, renewals are required every 14 years to maintain legal protection. Why Timely Trademark Renewal is Essential Timely renewal of your trademark ensures that your exclusive rights remain intact, safeguarding your brand’s identity and market value. Failure to renew your trademark could lead to: Cancellation of Registration: Your trademark may be removed from the registry. Loss of Exclusive Rights: Others may register and use your trademark without your consent. Reputational Risks: Losing your trademark protection can lead to brand confusion and dilution. Consequences of Non-Renewal If you fail to renew your trademark within the stipulated time, your registration will lapse. At this point: Your brand loses its legal protection. Competitors or third parties may claim and register your mark. Restoring an expired trademark can be a complex, time-consuming, and costly process involving additional fees and documentation. How to Renew Your Nigerian Trademark To renew your trademark in Nigeria, follow these steps: Requirements for Renewal: Power of Attorney: A duly executed Power of Attorney authorizing an agent to act on your behalf. (No notarization or legalization is required.) Original Certificate of Registration: The original trademark registration certificate. Filing the Renewal Application: The renewal process involves submitting an application to the Trademarks, Patents, and Designs Registry in Nigeria, along with the required documents and applicable fees. Timeline: It is advisable to initiate the renewal process well before the expiration date to avoid any disruptions in protection. Benefits of Renewing Your Trademark Continuous Brand Protection: Ensures your brand name, logo, or slogan remains exclusive to your business. Legal Safeguards: Protects against unauthorized use or infringement. Market Credibility: Reinforces your brand’s value and trustworthiness. What to Do if Your Trademark Expires If your trademark registration has expired, you can apply for restoration. However, this process comes with additional costs, documentation, and risks. It is always better to renew on time to avoid complications. Nigerian Trademark Renewal At Lex Artifex LLP, we specialize in intellectual property law and trademark renewals in Nigeria. Our trademark attorneys provide tailored solutions for small businesses, transnational corporations, and foreign law firms. We ensure: Timely reminders and updates on renewal deadlines. Hassle-free filing and management of your trademark portfolio. Expert advice on long-term intellectual property strategies. Get in Touch Protect your brand’s future today. Contact our team for seamless trademark renewal services: Email: lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com Call/WhatsApp: +2348039795959

Nigerian Trademark Renewal

NIGERIAN TRADEMARK RENEWAL

A key strategic step in expanding a global brand portfolio is to file for trademark registration in Nigeria. Once the registration is obtained, it is imperative for the owners of trademarks to ensure the validity of their mark by filing timely renewals.
In Nigeria, the first renewal is due 7 years from the date of filing, and each renewal following is needed every 14 years thereafter.

EFFECTS OF NON-RENEWAL OF A NIGERIAN TRADEMARK

Filing an application for Nigerian trademark renewal in a timely manner is essential to prolonging the protection that the trademark registration offers. If the renewal is not made within time, there is a risk that the trademark will be canceled or removed from the register; and any person can claim the trademark and get same registered to their name.

MAINTAINING NIGERIAN TRADEMARKS

The key to successfully maintaining a Nigerian trademark registration is by ensuring that timely renewal filings are made to sustain the protections offered by the registration and to prevent any chance of cancellation. A Nigerian trademark renewal does not create any changes in the rights of the trademark holder. As long as the trademark is valid, the trademark holder would enjoy all the rights that were acquired during the initial registration.
Nigerian trademark renewal guarantees continuous and unhindered protection of the brand name. Failure of renewal leads to a lapse of legal protection in the country.

WHERE THE TRADEMARK EXPIRES

To keep using a trademark that has lapsed or expired, you need to apply for the restoration of the expired trademark. The process may be risky and attracts additional fees and documentation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING A NIGERIAN TRADEMARK RENEWAL APPLICATION

To file for Nigerian trademark renewal, the following are required:
  • A duly executed Power of Attorney. No Notarization or legalization is required;
  • The certificate of trademark registration

 

Lex Artifex LLP attorneys work with transnational corporations and foreign law firms from around the world on brand protection in Nigeria. We update our clients on upcoming filing and renewal deadlines. Our focus is on the long-term sustainability of our clients’ intellectual property assets.
For a business-focused IPR advice, contact a member of our team directly or email lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com; call or WhatsApp at +2348039795959.