While the Madrid system in Africa may not function as
effectively as it does in other parts of the world, there is
certainly progress being made on implementing laws and streamlining
procedures in some African countries. Zimbabwe has recently taken a
positive step forward when, on 13 March 2017, regulations which
give recognition to the Madrid Protocol were approved by parliament
and published in the Government Gazette.
The Trade Marks (Madrid Protocol) Regulations, 2017 give effect
to trade marks designating Zimbabwe under the Madrid Protocol,
which will be deemed registered, as national trade marks, under the
Zimbabwean Trade Marks Act (chapter 26:04).
Concerns still remain regarding the enforceability of the Madrid
system in Africa, especially as many of the Registries do not yet
have digital records and have not yet updated and improved their
systems so as to comply with WIPO's strict deadlines for
processing of applications. However, Zimbabwe appears set
