Zimbabwe Trademark Registration

In order to obtain trademark protection in Zimbabwe you can register your trademark in two ways: First option is that you request registration for the ARIPO trademark; ARIPO treaty includes trademark protection in Botswana, Cape Verde, Gambia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. To proceed with trademark application in ARIPO, click here. Second option is that you register directly your trademark in Zimbabwe. If you want to proceed this way please follow the steps described below.

Your trademark registration will be processed in Zimbabwe through the following steps:

Step 1. Trademark Comprehensive Study:
A trademark search report with attorney's analysis and opinion about registration probabilities.

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Step 2. Trademark Registration Request:
A trademark attorney will file and process your trademark application before the Trademark Office.

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Step 3. Trademark Registration Certificate:
Once your trademark application is approved, we will obtain your registration certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?

The average time frame for the registration approval is 8 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.
If I register my trademark in Zimbabwe, do I have protection in other territories?

The territorial limit of registration is Zimbabwe.
Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is required to complete the registration process.
Are there any benefits from a pre-filing use of the trademark?
- pre-filing use may demonstrate acquired distinctiveness
- pre-filing use may help overcome an opposition on the grounds of non-distinctiveness
Will there be problems in case I don’t use my trademark after registration?

Attack on the ground of non-use is available.
What are the types of trademark that can be registered in Zimbabwe?
- names (with some restrictions)
- words
- certain three-dimensional shapes
- devices
- colours
- sounds
- distinctive and innovative slogans
- trade dress/get-up
- smells or olfactory marks
- holograms
- taste
- motion
- touch
- collective marks
- well-known marks
- certification marks
- service marks
What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in Zimbabwe?
The order of the application process is as follows:
1. Examination of the application in respect to:
  - formalities
  - classification
  - descriptiveness
  - distinctiveness
  - deceptiveness
  - conflict with prior an earlier registration
2. Publication of the application details:
  - mark
  - name of applicant
  - address of applicant
  - state or country of the applicant
  - application number
  - application date
  - goods/services
  - representation of trademark
3. Registration
What type of trademark is not registrable?
- marks that contradict standards of morality or public order
- generic terms
- names, symbols, or flags of states, regions, nations, or of international organizations
- non-distinctive marks
- surnames
- geographic location names
Does Zimbabwe use the "Nice Classification" system?

Zimbabwe uses the Nice Classification System. The 10th Edition description for goods and services is accepted by the registry office.
Does the Community Trademark apply for Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is not a signatory of the European Union; hence, the Community Trade Mark registration is not effective.
Is there any possibility to claim priority in Zimbabwe?
Priority application can be claimed if:
- the applicant's home country is a member of the Paris Convention
- the home application was filed six months earlier than the application filing date in Zimbabwe
What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?

A trademark must be used within a period of five years. The amount of use can be minimal and must occur in Zimbabwe.
Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?

The initial term of a registration is 10 years calculated from the application date.
What will be the renewal date of my trademark?

The first renewal date is 10 years from the filing date.
Is it legal to use my trademark even if it is not yet registered?

It is legally permitted to use an unregistered mark for any goods or services.

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Zimbabwe Trademark Registration