TRADEMARKS

The new regulation provides that a trademark is now registered for 7 years from the date of filing the application as opposed to 6 years. The Registration also will no longer be subject to the former publication of cautionary notices every two years.

Types of Trademarks Registrable

1. Goods and services and Collective marks

International and Regional Arrangements

None, but in case of a domestic law pursuant to the proclamation No. 501/2006 of the federal democratic of Ethiopia the same is coverable.

Documents required for trademark registration

1. Full details of the applicant
2. Power of Attorney (legalized up to the Ethiopian Embassy), in English and Amharic
3. Specification of goods
4. Certified copy of the applicant’s certificate of incorporation or certified copy of Registration certificate
5. Specimen of the trademark

Renewals

Trademarks are valid at the first instance for 7 years counting from the application date. They are renewable thereafter for periods of 7 years.

Documents required for Renewals

Power of Attorney

Documents required for Assignments/Mergers

1. Power of Attorney.
2. Deed of Assignment, or other instrument of title, with English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.
3. 16 prints, except for word marks in ordinary type.

Documents required for Change of Name

1. Power of Attorney.
2. Certificate of change of name, with English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.

Documents required for Change of Address

1. Power of Attorney.

Documents required for Licenses/Registered Users

1. Power of Attorney.
2. License Agreement, with verified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.

Above all the same should be legalized up to an Ethiopian Consul.

PATENTS

Filing Requirements

Patents of Invention

1. Power of Attorney (legalized) (can be late filed within two months)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English (required on the day of filing)
3. International Patent Classification (required on the day of filing)
4. Formal drawings, if applicable (required on the day of filing)
5. Assignment of Invention (legalized)
6. Certificate of Incorporation (legalized)
7. Priority document with verified English translation (to be lodged within three months)

Patents of Introduction

1. Power of Attorney (legalized) (can be late filed within two months)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English (required on the day of filing)
3. Formal drawings, if applicable (required on the day of filing)
4. Certificate of Incorporation (legalized)
5. Certified copy of basic foreign granted patent (Certified)(required on the day of filing)

Grant and Renewal

The term of a patent of invention is fifteen (15) years from the filing date. However, the term of the patent may be extended for a further period of five (5) years provided that proof is furnished that the invention is being properly worked in Ethiopia. The patent of introduction expires with the patent on which it is based, with a maximum term of ten years.

Renewal fees fall due annually commencing on the first anniversary of the filing date.