Uganda Trademark Registration

In order to obtain trademark protection in Uganda 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, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. To proceed with trademark application in ARIPO, click here. Second option is that you register directly your trademark in Uganda. If you want to proceed this way please follow the steps described below.

Your trademark registration will be processed in Uganda 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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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 Uganda, do I have protection in other territories?

The territorial limit of registration is within the territory of Uganda.
Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?

Yes, a power of attorney is required.
Are there any benefits from a pre-filing use of the trademark?
- Use may demonstrate acquired distinctiveness
- Help overcome an objection to a trademark application on the grounds of non-distinctiveness
- Prove that the mark is capable of distinguishing the goods of the applicant from those of others in the same market
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 Uganda?
- names
- words
- colours
- devices
- certain three-dimensional shapes
- smells
- slogans
- sounds
- well-known marks
- trade dress/get-up
- service marks
- certification marks
What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in Uganda?
The order of the application process is as follows:
1. Examination
  - Formalities
  - Classification
  - Clarity
  - Descriptiveness
  - Distinctiveness
  - Deceptiveness
  - Conflict with prior registration
2. Publication
  - Name of applicant
  - Address of applicant
  - Representation of trademark
  - List of goods or services protected
  - Relevant class
  - Filing date
  - Filing number
  - Name of agent
  - Priority information (if any)
3. Registration
What type of trademark is not registrable?
- marks that contradict moral standards or public order
- generic terms
- names, flags or symbols of states, nations, regions, or of international organizations
- marks absent a showing of acquired distinctiveness
- marks that function principally as geographic location names
Does Uganda use the "Nice Classification" system?

The Nice Classification System is being used in Uganda.
Does the Community Trademark apply for Uganda?

The European Union Trade Mark registration, formerly a Community Trade Mark registration, is not effective in this jurisdiction.
Is there any possibility to claim priority in Uganda?

It is possible to claim priority application if the applicant's home country is a member of ARIPO. Consult a local trademark attorney for more information.
What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?

The trademark must be used within three years. The amount of use must be on a commercial scale and must occur in this jurisdiction.
Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?

The initial term of a registration is seven years.
What will be the renewal date of my trademark?

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

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

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Uganda Trademark Registration