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ARTICLE · 28 OCTOBER 2020

Africa Update 2020 – Somalia

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In January 2020, notification was received to the effect that the Somalia Registry was now operational and that it was now possible to file trade mark applications in Somalia.

SomaliaIntellectual Property
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Registry Operational

In January 2020, notification was received to the effect that the Somalia Registry was now operational and that it was now possible to file trade mark applications in Somalia.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry had earlier indicated that trade mark registration would only commence after the enactment of new trade mark laws. However, through a Ministerial Decree issued last year, the Ministry has now provided for the registration of trade marks before the enactment of the new laws. The Decree does not outline the procedure for examination or opposition of applications. However, it is expected that the office will conduct relative examination.

We are advised by our agents that the Somali Trade Mark Registry is set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (the Ministry). In this regard, the Decree by the Ministry providing the fees for trade mark registration seems to have enabled the Ministry to resume trade mark registration.

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