Tanzania

HOW TO REGISTER A TRADE MARK

For more information on ARIPO Trade Mark Registrations click here.

1.     The requirements for filing applications in Tanzania 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. The type of the entity i.e. whether the entity is the company, business name or partnership;
3. The registration number of the company if the proprietor is a corporate entity.
4. List of goods and/ or services.
5. A simply signed power of attorney (must be submitted at time of filing).
6. Clear print of the mark.
7. If Convention priority is claimed: a certified copy of the basic application together with an English translation where necessary.

2.   Classification

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

3.   General

1. a) Duration: 7 years from date of application and renewable for further periods of 10 years.
   b) Duration if priority claimed: 7 years from priority date and renewable from further periods of 10 years.
2. Use: If a mark has not been used for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be removed.
3. Marking: Advised.
4. Licenses: Must be recorded at the Registrar.
5. Assignments of applications are permitted.
6. Search available within approximately 5-10 working days from instruction and are conducted on an official register.

HOW TO REGISTER A PATENT OR DESIGN

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