Trademarks Attorneys in Nigeria: Your Guide to Trademark Registration and Protection In today’s competitive business environment, protecting your brand identity is crucial. Whether you own a word, symbol, logo, or unique design that represents your goods or services, trademark registration is a vital step. For businesses operating in Nigeria, Africa's hub for trade, safeguarding intellectual property rights can provide a significant edge. At Lex Artifex LLP, we specialize in offering comprehensive trademark services in Nigeria. As accredited trademark attorneys, we are committed to providing seamless and professional legal support to all our clients. Why Work with Trademarks Attorneys in Nigeria? Navigating trademark registration and protection in Nigeria can be complex. However, partnering with trademark attorneys ensures a smooth process. Lex Artifex LLP is licensed by the Nigerian Industrial Property Office (IPO). Our team excels in: Filing and prosecuting trademark applications. Advising on intellectual property rights and infringement matters. Managing IP portfolios and structuring licensing agreements. Enforcing trademark rights to protect your business assets. With a reputation for professionalism and results, we provide tailored solutions that align with your business goals. Understanding Trademark Filing in Nigeria Here’s a step-by-step overview of trademark filing in Nigeria: Engage an Accredited Trademark Attorney Filing must be completed through a licensed attorney. A signed Power of Attorney is required, including the client’s name, address, and nationality. Conduct a Preliminary Search A preliminary search determines whether your proposed trademark is distinct from existing registrations. This process typically takes five business days. Acceptance of Application If your application meets the required standards, the Registrar issues a Letter of Acceptance, confirming the trademark is eligible for registration. Publication and Opposition Period Accepted trademarks are published in the Nigerian Trademark Journal. A two-month opposition period follows, allowing third parties to contest the registration. Certificate of Registration Once the opposition period closes without objections, a Certificate of Registration is issued, backdated to the original filing date. Colour and Combined Trademarks Trademarks can be registered in black-and-white (covering all colours) or specific colours (limited protection). Combined trademarks, including words and logos, are protected in the exact format registered. First-to-File Rule Nigeria operates on a first-to-file basis. If identical or similar applications are submitted, priority is given to the earliest filing. Validity and Renewal Registered trademarks are valid for seven years and renewable indefinitely every 14 years. Why Trademark Protection in Nigeria Matters Nigeria’s position as a trade hub makes it an attractive market for businesses worldwide. However, this also increases the risk of brand misuse and infringement. Registering your trademark not only protects your brand but also builds trust among customers and stakeholders. Work with the Specialists At Lex Artifex LLP, we pride ourselves on delivering business-focused intellectual property solutions. Our experienced professionals will guide you through every trademark registration stage, ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards. For tailored advice and seamless trademark registration in Nigeria, contact us today at lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com or WhatsApp at +2348039795959.

Trademark Attorney in Nigeria

TRADEMARK ATTORNEY IN NIGERIA

If you are running a business and have a word, symbol, phrase, logo, design, or combination of those representing your goods or services, it is important that you consider trademark filing and protection in Nigeria – (Nigeria being one of the hubs for transborder trade in the world).
Lex Artifex LLP offers a broad range of Trademark application and prosecution services in Nigeria. As an accredited trademark attorney in Nigeria, we provide clients with timely, cost-effective and top-notch trademark services.
We are licensed as IP Attorneys by the Nigerian IP Office (i.e. the Trademarks, Patents And Designs Registry of the Commercial Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade And Investment of Nigeria.
We specialize in the commercialization of intellectual property and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Nigeria. Our team combines expertise in preparing and prosecuting applications for trademarks at the Nigerian Trademark Office and provide legal opinions on intellectual property rights, infringement and validity issues.
Lex Artifex people are the leading trademark attorneys in Nigeria represent Nigerian and international clients on IP filing in Nigeria, IP portfolio management, and drafting of licensing arrangements.

TRADEMARK FILING PROCEDURES IN NIGERIA

The following details are important for every application for trademark in Nigeria:
1. Filing is made for a principal through an accredited trademark attorney in Nigeria. To act for clients, we accept a Power of Attorney simply signed, with full particulars of the name, address and nationality of the client/applicant.
2. The delivery time for a Preliminary Search Report to confirm the mark’s distinctiveness from existing and pending registrations is within five (5) business days.
3. Where the trademark is acceptable for registration, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued by the Registrar of Trademarks.
4. The trademark will be published in the Nigerian Trademark Journal and will be open to opposition for a period of two (2) months from the date of advertisement.
5. If no objections to the registration of the trademark are received within the specified period or no objections are sustained, a Certificate of Registration shall be issued by the Registrar. When issued, the Registration Certificate will reflect the date of initial filing as date of registration (i.e. date of filing acknowledgment).
6. A trademark can be registered either in plainly (black and white) color or in a color format. However, if it is in a color format, the protection shall be limited to that color only. If it is plainly (black and white), the registration shall afford protection to all colors of presentation of the trademark.
7. If you want to register a combined trademark (which includes both word elements and figurative elements), the exclusive right to use the trademark is limited to a use of the trademark in the exact configuration or way in which it was filed and registered. If a client wishes to use the word element of his trademark separately from the logo (or vice versa), then the registration for another trademark including only the word or figurative elements is necessary in order to offer separate protection.
8. The first-to-file rule is of great significance for registration of trademark in Nigeria. If two or more applications are identical or similar only the first application will be given importance for registration.
9. Registered trademarks in Nigeria have an initial validity of seven (7) years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely for further periods of fourteen (14) years.
10. It is not necessary for a trademark to be in use in Nigeria in order for it to be registered.

 

We are your progressive partner! For a business-focused IP advice, trademark application in Nigeria and legal representation in Nigeria, please call or WhatsApp +2348039795959 or email lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com. We’ll be happy to assist you!

 

Trademark Attorney in Nigeria