On 24 December 2012, the implementing Regulation needed to give
effect to the 2006 Trademark Registration and Protection
Proclamation in Ethiopia was published, bringing into force a new,
orthodox, trade mark regime for the registration and enforcement of
trade mark rights. The Proclamation and Regulation include a
protection term of seven years (repeatedly renewable) and provision
for the registration of service marks.
There are many unknown factors which require clarification by the
Director-General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office
(EIPO) but the situation seems to be as follows:
Existing registered trade marks (ETMs)
All 'old-system' cautionary notice registrations are no
longer effective. Trade mark owners must file new applications to
protect their rights. There is currently no 'sunrise'
period during which ETMs can claim priority.
