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Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?
The average time frame for the registration approval is 10 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.
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If I register my trademark in Zambia, do I have protection in other territories?
The territorial limit of registration is Zambia.
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Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?
An applicant does not benefit from pre-filing use of a trademark.
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Are there any benefits from a pre-filing use of the trademark?
An applicant does not benefit from pre-filing use of a trademark.
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Will there be problems in case I don’t use my trademark after registration?
Attack on the ground of non-use is available.
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What are the types of trademark that can be registered in Zambia?
- words
- names
- devices
- certain three-dimensional shapes
- colours
- slogans
- certification marks
- well-known marks
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What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in Zambia?
The order of the application process is as follows:
- Examination of the trademark application in respect to:
- formalities
- classification
- clarity
- descriptiveness
- distinctiveness
- deceptiveness
- conflict with prior registration
- Publication of the following application particulars:
- mark
- name of applicant
- address of applicant
- application number
- application date
- goods/services
- priority claim information
- representation of trademark
- Registration
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What type of trademark is not registrable?
- marks that contradict moral standards or public order
- generic terms
- symbols, names, and flags of nations, states, regions, or of international organizations
- geographic location names
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Does Zambia use the "Nice Classification" system?
Zambia uses the Nice Classification System.
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Does the Community Trademark apply for Zambia?
Zambia is not a European Union member; hence, the Community Trademark is not effective in this jurisdiction.
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Is there any possibility to claim priority in Zambia?
Priority application may be claimed on the following conditions:
- 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 Zambia
- international registrations can be designated in Zambia
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What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?
A trademark must be used within five years. The amount of use can be minimal and must occur in Zambia.
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Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?
The initial term of a registration is seven years calculated from the application date.
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What will be the renewal date of my trademark?
The first renewal date of a trademark registration is seven years from the filing date.
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Is it legal to use my trademark even if it is not yet registered?
Owners may legally use a trademark for any goods or services even if such trademark is not yet registered.