Gambia

HOW TO REGISTER A TRADE MARK

For more information on ARIPO Trade Mark Registrations click here.

1.    The requirements for applications filed directly in Gambia are as follows: 

1. Full name, street address and description of the applicant (including trading style, if any, and state/country of incorporation, if incorporated).
2. List of goods and/or services.
3. A simply signed power of attorney.
4. 10 prints of the device mark.
5. If priority is claimed: a certified copy of home application/registration.

2.   Classification

1. The 50 classes of the Old British Classification of goods are applicable.
2. Multi-class - No.

3.   General

1. Duration : 10 years from filing date and renewal for further periods of 10 years (even if priority is claimed, the date is still calculated from application date).
2. Use : An aggrieved person may apply for the removal of the mark if there is no bona fide use for a continuous period of 5 years from the date of application or any continuous 5 year period thereafter.
3. Licenses : Not required by advisable.
4. Assignments of applications are permissible.

HOW TO REGISTER A PATENT OR DESIGN

In our experience, it is better to file an ARIPO regional application designating at least Gambia rather than a national application directly in Gambia. The main reason for our opinion is that ARIPO is run by WIPO and, accordingly, operates much more efficiently than the Gambia Patent and Design Offices. Furthermore, the cost of filing an ARIPO application designating only Gambia is about the same as the cost of filing a national application directly in Gambia. 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.