The registration process commences by filing an application for the trade mark in the relevant class. After filing the application, the mark will be examined for formal requirements and prior conflicting marks. If accepted, the Registrar will issue a notice of acceptance and the trade mark application will be published in the Patent Journal. The application will be open to opposition for a period of 3 months. If no opposition is entered, the Registrar will issue the registration certificate.

A Trade Mark can be renewed indefinitely for successive periods of 10 years, upon payment of the prescribed renewal fees. The lifespan of a Trade Mark can therefore be indefinite, provided that the mark is being used and that it is renewed every 10 years.

An assignment refers to the transfer of ownership of IP rights from one entity to another. An assignment must be recorded on the Trade Mark Register, in order for that assignment to be valid with regards to third parties. We are able to assist with preparing the documentation as well as attending to the recordal of Assignment at the Trade Marks Office.