Trademark Registration
A Trademark is a unique sign or mark, like a name, logo, or slogan, that helps customers identify your products or services and tell them apart from others. In Nigeria, registering your trademark with the Trademarks, Patents And Designs Registry gives you the exclusive legal right to use that mark for your specific goods or services. This legal protection is super important because it stops other people from copying your brand and confusing your customers.
Raa n Oscar Business offers trusted and professional Trademark Certification services to help you secure your brand.
REQUIREMENTS:
To successfully register your trademark in Nigeria, you’ll need to provide the following details and documents:
Company Information:
✅ Company Full Name
✅ Company Address
✅ Email
✅ Logo (if any – a clear image)
✅ Name of the trademarks (the exact word, phrase, or name you want to protect)
Applicant Information:
✅ Full Name
✅ Address
✅ Phone Number
✅ Email Address
✅ Name of the trademarks (again, the exact word, phrase, or name)
REASONS FOR OBTAINING A TRADEMARK
Securing a trademark is a fundamental step for any business looking to establish and grow its brand in Nigeria. Here’s why it’s essential:
✅ Exclusive Legal Rights: It grants you the sole legal right to use your brand name, logo, or slogan for the specific goods or services you’ve registered. This means others cannot use it without your permission.
✅ Strong Brand Protection Against Infringement: A registered trademark empowers you to take legal action against competitors or individuals who attempt to use a similar mark that could confuse consumers or dilute your brand.
✅ Boosted Credibility & Business Value: A registered trademark is a valuable intellectual property asset. It adds to your company’s intangible worth, making it more attractive to investors, partners, and customers.
✅ Right to Enforce Your Brand in Court: Without a registered trademark, defending your brand against unauthorized use can be challenging. Registration provides the necessary legal standing for enforcement actions.
✅ A Competitive Edge & Smoother Expansion: A unique and protected brand helps you stand out in the marketplace, making it easier to grow your business without the constant threat of copycats.
✅ Avoids Costly Rebranding: Imagine building a brand for years only to find someone else registered a similar name. A trademark prevents this costly and disruptive scenario.
✅ Deters Counterfeiting: A registered trademark acts as a deterrent, making it riskier for others to produce fake goods or services using your brand.
WHAT YOU GET
With Raa n Oscar’s trusted Trademark Certification service, you’ll receive comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard your brand:
✅ Exclusive Legal Rights: To your registered name, logo, or slogan for the goods/services specified.
✅ Strong Brand Protection: Against infringement and unauthorized use.
✅ Boosted Credibility & Business Value: Enhancing your market standing.
✅ Right to Enforce Your Brand in Court: The legal basis to defend your intellectual property.
✅ A Competitive Edge & Smoother Expansion: Positioning your brand strategically in the market.
✅ Confirmation Letter: Issued after approximately 21 days of application, serving as initial proof of your application being processed.
✅ Official Trademark Certificate: Issued by the Government after approximately 3 months from the date of the Confirmation Letter, serving as the final proof of your registered trademark.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES FOR OBTAINING A TRADEMARK
Aim: To legally secure and protect your distinctive brand elements (name, logo, slogan) in Nigeria, thereby establishing exclusive rights and preventing unauthorized use.
Objectives:
✅ To conduct a thorough search to ensure the availability of your proposed trademark.
✅ To successfully file and process your trademark application with the Trademarks, Patents And Designs Registry.
✅ To obtain the official Confirmation Letter and ultimately the Trademark Certificate.
✅ To establish a legal basis for defending your brand against infringement and passing off.
✅ To enhance your brand’s market recognition, credibility, and overall business value.
FAQS
What is the difference between a company registration and a trademark?
✅ Company registration (e.g., with CAC) gives you the legal right to operate a business under a certain name. Trademark registration, however, protects the specific brand name, logo, or slogan you use for your products or services, giving you exclusive commercial rights to them.
How long does a trademark last in Nigeria?
✅ A trademark registration in Nigeria is valid for an initial period of seven (7) years from the filing date. It can then be renewed indefinitely for subsequent periods of fourteen (14) years.
Can I use ™ or ® symbols before or after registration?
✅ You can use the ™ (trademark) symbol to indicate that you claim rights to a mark, even if it’s not yet registered. The ® (registered trademark) symbol can only be used once your trademark has been officially registered with the government.
What happens if someone copies my registered trademark?
✅ With a registered trademark, you have legal grounds to pursue action against the infringer, which can include sending a cease and desist letter, negotiating a settlement, or even filing a lawsuit to stop their use and claim damages.
Is trademark protection in Nigeria global?
✅ No, trademark protection is territorial. A trademark registered in Nigeria only provides legal protection within Nigeria. For protection in other countries, you would need to apply for registration in those specific jurisdictions or through international treaties if applicable.
COSTS
- COST (Service Charge): ₦-
- ADDITIONAL FEE (for Logo): ₦- (if your trademark includes a logo)
Note: These costs are for our service of guiding and assisting you through the trademark application process. They do not typically include the separate official government fees that are paid directly to the Trademarks, Patents And Designs Registry for search, application, publication, and certification. The official fees can range from NGN- for an availability search to NGN – for application, NGN – for publication, and NGN- for certificate issuance. These are subject to change by the government.
For a detailed cost breakdown and to confirm any current official government fees, please visit our official WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3313w2JSDoq2Z
TIMELINE
The trademark registration process involves several stages and can take time:
✅ Confirmation Letter: Issued approximately 21 days after the application is submitted. This confirms receipt and initial processing.
🎉 Trademark Certificate Issuance: The final certificate is typically issued approximately 3 months after the Confirmation Letter, provided there are no objections during the publication period and all other requirements are met.
Note: The entire process, from initial search to final certificate, can sometimes extend beyond these estimates due to factors like official processing backlogs, examination queries, or opposition periods (a 2-month window for public objections after publication in the Trademark Journal).
