Trademark Registration and Certificate Issuance in Ethiopia

The process of trademark registration in Ethiopia is a crucial step for businesses and individuals in establishing and protecting their brand identity. A trademark registration certificate serves as proof that a trademark is officially recognized by the Office and that the owner has exclusive rights to use the trademark in connection with their goods or services. In this article, we will delve deeper into the trademark registration process in Ethiopia and understand its various aspects.

The first step in the trademark registration process in Ethiopia is to submit an application to the Office. The Office will then examine the application to ensure that it meets the requirements outlined in the Proclamation and Regulations. The conditions referred to in these laws must be fulfilled for the trademark to be registered. If the application has not been opposed or if it has been opposed but the opposition was rejected, the Office will register the trademark and issue a certificate of registration to the applicant.

Notification of Trademark Registration

The certificate of registration serves as proof that the trademark is officially recognized by the Office and that the owner has exclusive rights to use the trademark in connection with their goods or services. It is important to note that the fee for trademark registration must be paid before the certificate of registration is issued.
Once a trademark has been registered, the Office will notify the public through publication in the Intellectual Property Gazette, a newspaper with nationwide circulation, or through a radio or television broadcast or website. The cost of the publication will be borne by the applicant. This notification serves to inform the public that the trademark has been officially registered and that the owner has exclusive rights to use it.

Right of Appeal

In the event that a person is dissatisfied with the final decision of the Office on the registration of a trademark, they have the right to appeal the decision in court. The appeal must be submitted within 60 days from the date of notification of the decision to the concerned party. This provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to challenge the decision of the Office if they feel that their rights have been violated.

In conclusion, the trademark registration process in Ethiopia is a crucial aspect of protecting and establishing brand identity. The Office plays a key role in examining applications, registering trademarks, and issuing certificates of registration. The public is notified of the registration through publication, and those who are dissatisfied with the decision of the Office have the right to appeal in court. It is important for businesses and individuals to understand the trademark registration process in Ethiopia and to take advantage of the opportunities it provides to protect and establish their brand identity.