Discover the risks and dangers of failing to register a trademark to understand the value and importance of trademark registration for your brand.
The Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
Zimbabwe Trademark Registration
Protect Your Brand in Zimbabwe Through a Simple Process Backed by Certified Local Attorneys
Simple steps to register your trademark
Zimbabwe's trademark registration can be obtained through two ways: register through the ARIPO Treaty, which extends protection to multiple countries, or register directly with the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office.
STEP 1
Comprehensive Trademark Study
Before filing your trademark in Zimbabwe, you must evaluate any issues that may arise during the registration process. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study not only lists similar trademarks (graphic and phonetic) that may conflict with yours but also provides you with an Attorney's opinion on the trademark registration possibilities and the class(es) that your goods/services belong to.
- Graphic and phonetic similarity trademark search report
- Trademark attorney's analysis and advice
- Trademark class recommendation
STEP 2
Trademark Application Filing
Specialized attorneys will file your trademark application in Zimbabwe and carry out all the necessary formalities to bring your application for approval and registration. As soon as your trademark is filed, we will send you a filing report that will include the application number and application date. Also, we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Filing the Report & a Scanned Copy of the application
- Tracking the Registration Process Online
STEP 3
Trademark Registration Certificate
Once your trademark application is approved, our attorneys complete all the formalities necessary to obtain the registration certificate in Zimbabwe. After the certificate is issued, it is forwarded to your address along with a registration report specifying the registration number, registration date, and any special consideration that should be taken into account in Zimbabwe.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Delivery of Registration Certificate & Report
- Monitoring & Notification of Important Dates
Additional Services in Zimbabwe
Discover how our services help protect and strengthen your brand in Zimbabwe.
Trademark Search
Check if your trademark is available for registration with our easy-to-use search tool.
Search TrademarkTrademark Renewal
Renew your trademark to maintain uninterrupted protection for your brand.
Renew TrademarkDomain Registration
Safeguard your local domain with ease through our trusted partner, Register.Domains.
Search .ZW DomainsFrom our Blog
National vs. International Trademark Registration
Discover how national and international trademark registration compare, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for you.
Commonly Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
Learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on trademark registrations to improve your trademark knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I register my trademark in Zimbabwe, will it be protected in other countries?
Registering your trademark in Zimbabwe only provides protection within Zimbabwe's borders.
Is it possible to claim priority for a patent application in Zimbabwe?
You can claim priority in Zimbabwe if:
- Your home country is part of the Paris Convention.
- Your original application was submitted no more than six months before the filing date in Zimbabwe.
What actions are necessary to meet the usage requirement for a trademark?
To satisfy the use requirement, a trademark must be used at least once within a five-year period, even if the use is minimal, and it must take place in Zimbabwe.
Can a registration be canceled?
Registration can be canceled for the following reasons:
- The mark lacks distinctiveness
- The mark is merely descriptive
- The mark is deceptive, misleading, or disparaging
- The mark is generic
- It involves protection of flags, armorial bearings, and other state emblems
- It includes a geographical indication
- The mark is used in a misleading way
- The mark goes against public policy or moral principles
- It includes a badge or emblem of public interest
- It contains prohibited marks
- It was registered in bad faith
- Refer to Section VIII.A. for Use Requirements
Is Zimbabwe part of the Madrid System for international trademark registration?
Zimbabwe is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing international trademark registrations to be recognized there, but it is not a member of the Madrid Agreement.
Do I need to use my trademark before applying for registration?
You must either be using the trademark already or have a genuine intention to use it when you apply.
What is the duration of the opposition period?
The opposition period starts on the publication date.
The opposition period concludes two calendar months after the publication date.
How long is a trademark valid once it has been registered?
The trademark registration is valid for 10 years starting from the date you apply.
Who is eligible to challenge my trademark application?
Anyone with a vested interest can challenge a trademark application.
What is the typical duration for trademark registration approval?
The typical time it takes to get a trademark registered is about 8 months, as long as there are no objections or challenges.
Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney to complete the registration process?
You must have a power of attorney to finish the registration process.
Does registering a trademark in Zimbabwe grant me any legal rights?
You don't need to register a trademark to have rights to it in Zimbabwe. Simply using the trademark first can establish your rights, as Zimbabwe follows the 'first to use' rule.
What rights do you gain by registering a trademark?
Registering a trademark grants the following rights:
- exclusive use of the trademark
- ability to oppose later conflicting trademark applications
- ability to cancel later conflicting trademark registrations
- right to take legal action against others for infringement or using a similar mark
- right to license the trademark to others
- ability to request customs to seize counterfeit goods
- right to claim damages for trademark infringement
Still have questions?