Ghana - Register a Trademark

ProcedureEdit

The registration process include the Following steps,

Step 1 Preliminary Search should be done

The first thing is to carry out preliminary search.The search is important to ensure that no identical trademarks have been registered or are pending registration. A preliminary search therefore ensures that registration conflicts are identified at the front end and dealt with, thereby saving you unnecessary time and additional expenses.

Step 2 Submission of the application form

After confirm that there is registration conflict an application can then be submitted with the appropriate fees to the Trademark Registry as specified under the Trademark Act, Act 662. It is important to note that applicants whose principal place of business is located outside Ghana are required to apply through local counsel.

Step 3 Preliminary review by the Registrar

After the application has been filed at the Trademark Registry, the Registrar will conduct a preliminary review to ensure that the right procedure was followed and all parts of the law have been complied with.

Step 4 Publishing the Trademark in the Journal

The registrar will then evaluate the application and determine whether the mark qualifies for registration. If a determination is made that the trademark is meets the general qualifications for registration, the trademark will be published in the Trademark Journal for potential opposition from third parties. Where the registrar determines that the trademark is not qualified for registration, the Registrar will notify the applicant or his lawyer and provide reasons for denying registration.

Step 5 Register the Trademark and receive the certificate of registration.

If there are no third party oppositions to registration and the registrar determines the trademark as qualified, it shall be duly registered by the Registrar and the applicant will be issued with an official certificate of registration. The registration of the trademark is good for a period of 10 years from the filing date of the application for registration.

The registration may be renewed for consecutive periods of ten years once the prescribed fees are paid. A grace period of six months is allowed for late payment of the renewable fee upon payment of the prescribed late fees.

Note:
Non-use for 5 years following registration makes the registration vulnerable to cancellation.

Required DocumentsEdit

i) Details of the Applicant

ii) 3 current Passport size photograph with a white background

iii) The applicants signature

iv) National identification Card

v) The trade name to be used

vi) Classification of goods and serviced to be registered.

v) The geographical origin of the Trademark

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Ministry of Trade and industries in Ghana

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +233 (0)302 686555

Mobile Phone Number: +233 (0) 202744226

http://www.ghanatrade.gov.gh

EligibilityEdit

Traders / enterprises with a trademark that meets requirements and wishes it to be protected

FeesEdit

The official filing fee for trademarks per mark per class in Ghana is US $510.00. The breakdown is as follows: Search (trademark availability search) – US $110.00; Application -US $200.00; Issuance of certificate – US $200.00.

ValidityEdit

The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years. The opposition period is within 2 months following publication. The registration procedure lasts 30 months. The protection lasts 7-10 years from the filing date.

Documents to UseEdit

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Sample DocumentsEdit

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Processing TimeEdit

It takes between 18-24 months to process a trademark certificate

InstructionsEdit

1.An applicant must ensure that his / her trademark representation is clear and distinct

2.For applications submitted on line, documents must be submitted in jpeg format;

3.Applicants submitting online applications must do so with documents that are at a minimum of 1200 dpi;

4.Ensure that the trademark representation meets the required dimensions;

5.Applicants must know that Ghana follows the International Classification of Goods;

6.Different applications must be filed for separate classification of goods for which the trade mark is to be registered;

7.Applications can either submitted at the trademark office or online;

8.Online applications can only be submitted accredited agent;

9.It is advisable to always instruct an attorney or agent to assist in the trademark registration process;

10.Ensure that the contacted attorney / agent is authorized to do so in the country;

Required InformationEdit

1.The application Form.

2.Information on trademark registration fees.

3 The information of goods and/or services

4.invoicing details (name, address, fiscal number, registration number).

5.Trade name proposed to be used

6.The class of goods or services to be registered.

7.National identification card.

Need for the DocumentEdit

Trade mark is the best way to protect your company brand name or logo from being copied by your competitors to confuse your buyers. Its highly recommended to register trade mark or service mark to avoid such infringement.

A trademark can be a letter, word, label, device, colour, number, signature or any combination of any of these that is used to identify and distinguish goods of one trader from those of others.

Trademarks in Ghana are registered at the Trademarks, Patents and Design Registry in Ghana.

Information which might helpEdit

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External LinksEdit

http://www.intellektus.com/trademarks-countries-ghana.html

http://www.export.gov/ghana/build/groups/public/@eg_gh/documents/webcontent/eg_gh_065383.pdf

OthersEdit

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