International and Regional Arrangements

Ghana is a member of the Paris Convention and Madrid agreement, International classification of goods and services applicable.

TRADEMARKS

Types of Trademarks Registrable

Trade marks for Goods, Trademarks for Services, Collective trademarks, Service marks are registrable.

Ghana operates a “Single-class” registration system (A separate application is required for each class). There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION and SERIES MARKS.

No provisions for defensive marks.

Documents required for trademark registration

1. A simply signed Power of Attorney
2. Ten prints of the marks
3. Specification of goods
4. A priority document, if priority is to be claimed
5. Full details of the applicant

Renewals

A trade mark registration is valid for an initial period of 10 years from the date of filing and is renewable for like periods of ten (10) years each, upon payment of the applicable renewal fees.

Documents required for Assignments/Mergers

1. Power of Attorney simply signed.
2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation.

Documents required for change of name

1. Power of Attorney simply signed.
2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation.

Licenses/Registered Users

1. Power of Attorney, simply signed, from proprietor and licensee.
2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation. Power of Attorney simply signed.
3. License Agreement, with verified English translation.

PATENTS

Filing Requirements:

National Phase PCT Application:

1. Power of Attorney (simply signed)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English
3. Formal drawings, if applicable
4. Assignment of Invention
5. Copy of Published International Application
6. Copy of International Search Report
7. Copy of International Preliminary Report on Patentability

Patents of Invention (Non-PCT):

1. Power of Attorney (simply signed)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English
3. Formal drawings, if applicable
4. Assignment of Invention
5. Priority document with verified English translation

Duration and Renewal

Granted patents are valid for 20 years calculated from the filing date. Maintenance fees are payable in respect of pending patent applications and granted patents. An annual fee is payable as from the first anniversary of filing. A grace period of six months is allowed for the late payment of the annual fee, subject to payment of surcharges. If an annual fee is not paid as provided, the patent lapses.