Trade Marks Unlocking Brand Protection (Part 4) Avoiding Non-Use Pitfalls And Navigating Cancellation Proceedings

INTRODUCTION

In the competitive landscape of modern commerce, trademark registration is only the beginning of a brand's legal journey. The continued protection and enforceability of a trademark hinge not merely on formal registration but on consistent, demonstrable use in the marketplace. This fourth instalment of our "Unlocking Brand Protection"¹ series delves into two critical but often overlooked dimensions of trademark maintenance in Nigeria: the legal imperative of genuine use to avoid non-use cancellation, and the procedural and substantive grounds upon which registered marks may be challenged through cancellation or rectification proceedings. In highlighting the statutory framework, practical implications, and evolving legal reforms, this article offers brand owners, legal practitioners, and stakeholders a strategic guide to sustaining trademark rights and pre-emptively mitigating vulnerability to third-party challenges.