HOW TO REGISTER A TRADE MARK
For more information on ARIPO Trade Mark Registrations click here.
1. The requirements for filing applications in Zimbabwe are as follows:
- Full name, street address and description of the applicant (including trading style, if any, and state/ country of incorporation, if incorporated).
- List of goods and/ or services.
- A simply signed power of attorney.
- Clear print of device mark.
- If convention priority to be claimed: Certified copy of first foreign application, together with verified English translation.
2. Classification
- The 45 classes of the International Classification are followed.
- Multi-class - No.
3. General
- a) Duration: 10 years from date of application and renewable for further periods of 10 years.
b) Duration if priority claimed: 10 years from priority date and renewable from further periods of 10 years. - Use: If a mark has not been used for a continuous period of 5 years, it can be removed.
- Marking: Optional.
- Licenses: Permitted.
- Collective marks: Registrable.
- Assignments of applications are permitted.
- Searches available within approximately 10-15 working days from instruction and are conducted manually as well as on an online official register.
HOW TO REGISTER A PATENT OR DESIGN
In our experience, it is better to file an ARIPO regional application designating at least Zimbabwe rather than a national application directly in Zimbabwe. The main reason for our opinion is that ARIPO is run by WIPO and, accordingly, operates much more efficiently than the Zimbabwe Patent and Design Offices. Furthermore, the cost of filing an ARIPO application designating only Zimbabwe is about the same as the cost of filing a national application directly in Zimbabwe. 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.
