Ethiopia

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CLASSIFICATION

10th edition – multiclass application

SEARCH

Possible for word and device marks

EXAMINATION

On formal, absolute, and relative grounds

OPPOSITION

60 days from publication date

PROTECTION TERM

7 years from filing date and renewable for like periods

USE

Vulnerable to cancellation if mark has not been used for 3 consecutive years from filing date

TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS

World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization (observer status)


REGISTRATION

Filing Requirements

  • Certified copy of home or any foreign registration certificate of the mark with English translation, notarized

What you need to know

  • All documents must be submitted at the time of filing
  • Priority claim is not possible

RENEWAL

Filing Requirements

  • No additional documents are required

What you need to know

  • Grace period of 9 months

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of change of name/address with English translation, notarized, or certified copy of corresponding home or foreign registration reflecting the change of name/ address with English translation, notarized

What you need to know

  • May be recorded for applications and registrations

ASSIGNMENT

What you need to know

  • May be recorded for applications and registrations

MERGER

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of merger with English translation, notarized

What you need to know

  • May be recorded for applications and registrations

LICENSE

Filing Requirements

  • License agreement with English translation, notarized
  • Simple copy of the registration certificate

What you need to know

  • May be recorded for registrations only
  • Separate POAs are required from licensee and licensor

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

EQUIVALENT SEARCH

Patent applications and patents may be searched by title, subject matter and priority data

EXAMINATION

As to form, novelty, industrial applicability

PUBLICATION

Published in the official gazette upon allowance

OPPOSITION

60 days from publication date

ANNUITIES

Due annually on the anniversary of the international filing date and payable prior to grant. 6 months grace period for late payment with a surcharge

PROTECTION TERM

15 years from the filing date, extendable for another 5 years


REGISTRATION

Filing Requirements

  • Specifications and abstract in English
  • 3 sets of formal drawing
  • Copy of priority, if priority is claimed, certified
  • Deed of assignment, legalized
 

What you need to know

  • Copy of simply signed POA and deed of assignment must be submitted at the time of filing

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of change of name/address, legalized

What you need to know

  • Documents must be accompanied with a sworn English translation if made in a foreign language

ASSIGNMENT

Filing Requirements

  • Deed of assignment, legalized

What you need to know

  • Separate POAs are required from assignee and assignor

MERGER

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of merger, legalized

LICENSE

Filing Requirements

  • License agreement, legalized

What you need to know

  • Separate POAs are required from licensee and licensor

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PROTECTION TERM

5 years from filing date

EXAMINATION

As to form and novelty

APPLICATION WITH MULTIPLE FIGURES

Inadmissible

RENEWAL

Allowed for two consecutive terms of 5 years each


REGISTRATION

Filing Requirements

  • POA, legalized
  • Drawings, paintings, graphics, photographic or similar representations of the design

Saba House, Saïd Freiha Street, Hazmieh, Beirut, Lebanon

P.O. Box 11-9421

view map

+961 5 45 48 88
+961 5 45 48 44
ethiopia@sabaip.com

Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.