Trademarks

TRADEMARK SERVICES

TEPATS assists clients in the following activities in Ethiopia:

  • Trademark searches

  • Trademark registrations

  • Trademark renewals

  • Recordal of changes related to trademarks

SEARCH

TEPATS conducts search to assist clients to determine whether their trademark can be registered. The Search Report may include opinion and advice.

For search, description of the goods/services to be searched and their corresponding international classes are required.

REGISTRATION

TEPATS assists clients in the registration of their trademarks and, when necessary, in the filing of opposition and counter opposition.

A trademark is registered for seven years in Ethiopia, which can be renewed for consecutive seven years each time.

Requirements for Registration

For registration, the following are required:

  • Power of Attorney, legalized by an Ethiopian Consulate.

  • Certified copy of Registration Certificate issued by any country.

  • If registration certificate is not available, a notarized copy of Business License or Certificate of Incorporation is acceptable. The Business License or Certificate of Incorporation must clearly indicate the type of business for which it is issued. The IP Office will carefully examine the Business License or Certificate of Incorporation to make sure that the goods or services to be registered are covered by the Business License or Certificate of Incorporation.

  • A scanned copy of the mark.

  • A document that is not in English must have its English translation attached to it. The name, signature and seal of the translator must be shown on each translated page.

  • The translation or transliteration of the mark, if any, must be explained.

RENEWAL

TEPATS assists clients to get the registration of their trademark renewed on time to ensure their IP rights.

For renewal, legalized Power of Attorney, if not already filed with us, is required.

The registration can be renewed for consecutive periods of seven years each.

RECORDAL OF CHANGES

TEPATS assists clients in the recordal of change of name, change of address, assignment, merger and licensing.

Required Documents

Change of Name

  • Proof of change of name.

  • Power of Attorney, legalized by an Ethiopian Consulate, if not already filed with us.

Change of Address

  • Legalized Power of Attorney, if not already filed with us

Assignment

  • Copy of Deed of Assignment, notarized.

  • Name, address and nationality of assignee.

  • Power of Attorney from assignee, legalized by an Ethiopian Consulate.

Merger

  • Certified copy of Certificate of Merger

  • Power of Attorney, legalized by an Ethiopian Consulate

Licensing

  • Legalized Power of Attorney

  • Notarized copy of the License Agreement