When The Registration Certificate Is Still Pending: Proving TM Rights In Angola

For trademark owners, the registration certificate is often perceived as the ultimate proof of ownership. In most jurisdictions, once a trademark is granted, the corresponding certificate is issued shortly thereafter, allowing the owner to rely on a single official document for enforcement, licensing and commercial transactions. In Angola, however, the situation is often more complex.

The administrative context in Angola

Over the past several years, the Angolan Industrial Property Office (IAPI) has faced significant delays in issuing registration certificates due to the growing volume of applications and the limited administrative resources available. As a result, it is not uncommon for trademarks to be formally granted and published in the Industrial Property Bulletin while the corresponding registration certificates remain pending for several years. This practical reality raises an important question for trademark owners: how can trademark rights be proven in Angola when the