How Long Does Trademark Registration Take In Nigeria?

Introduction

For businesses, entrepreneurs, expatriates and foreign investors, a trademark can be one of the most valuable assets associated with a business. Registering a trademark in Nigeria is therefore an important step towards protecting a brand and securing statutory rights in relation to the goods or services covered by the registration.

One of the most common questions prospective trademark owners ask, however, is: How long does trademark registration take in Nigeria?

There is no single guaranteed timeframe within which every trademark application must be completed. The process involves several stages, including a preliminary availability search, filing of the application, examination by the Trademark Registry, acceptance, publication in the Trade Marks Journal, the statutory opposition period and, where the application successfully completes the process, registration and issuance of the certificate.