Namibia

HOW TO REGISTER A TRADE MARK

For more information on ARIPO Trade Mark Registrations click here.

1.     The requirements for filing applications in Namibia are as follows: 

1. Full details of the applicant i.e. full name(s), legal status, physical/ business address and nationality (including trading style, if any, and state/ country of incorporation, if incorporated);
2. Apart from the details of the applicant, we also require the following documentation:
   1. a natural person must be identified by means of an identification document or other form of identification for example a passport; or
   2. a legal person must be identified by its registration document or other form of identification for example an extract for example an extract of the applicable commercial register.
3. List of goods and/ or services.
4. A simply signed power of attorney - No legalisation and/ or notarisation is required.
5. If priority is claimed: a certified copy of home application/ registration together with sworn translation thereof if not in English.
6. Representation of the mark, preferably in electronic format if it is a device/ logo/ stylised mark.

2.   Classification

1. The 45 classes of the International Classification (Nice Agreement) are followed.
2. Multi-class - Several classes may be covered in a single application.

3.   General

1. Duration: 10 years from date of application and renewable and renewable for further periods of 10 year.
2. Use: Non-use by owner or licensee for a continuous period of 3 years from registration, may render a mark vulnerable to expungement upon request by a third party.
3. Collective and certification marks: Registrable.
4. Licenses: Permitted.
5. Assignments: Permitted.

HOW TO REGISTER A PATENT OR DESIGN

In our experience, it is better to file an ARIPO regional application designating at least Namibia rather than a national application directly in Namibia. The main reason for our opinion is that ARIPO is run by WIPO and, accordingly, operates much more efficiently than the Namibian Patent and Design Offices. Furthermore, the cost of filing an ARIPO application designating only Namibia is about the same as the cost of filing a national application directly in Namibia. A further benefit of the ARIPO route is that it is possible to designate other ARIPO member countries by paying additional designation fees at a relatively nominal surcharge.

For more information on ARIPO Patent Registrations click here.

For more information on ARIPO Design Registrations click here.