Ghana

HOW TO REGISTER A TRADE MARK

For more information on ARIPO Trade Mark Registrations click here.

1.    The requirements for applications filed directly in Ghana 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. Clear print of the device mark.

2.   Classification

1. The 45 classes of the International Classification of goods and services are followed.
2. Multi-class - No.

3.   General

1. Duration: Trade marks filed and registered after 2004: 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: Must be recorded at the Trademarks Office.
4. Assignments of applications are permitted.
5. Searches available within approximately 3-4 weeks from instruction and are conducted manually.

HOW TO REGISTER A PATENT OR DESIGN

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