Trademarks in Uganda

Competent Authority & System

• Official Authority: Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
• Legislation: Trademarks Act, 2010, and the Trademarks Regulations, 2012.

Applicant & Representation Requirements

• Who may apply: any person or corporation that owns a mark used, or proposed to be used, by that person in Uganda.
• Foreign applicants: a foreign company needs a power of attorney or a form of authorization (TM No. 1) in favour of an agent, who must be an advocate of the High Court. Applications may be filed by the owner of the mark or by an agent.

Registrable Mark Types

• Types: a trademark can be any word, symbol, design, slogan, logo, sound, smell, colour, label, name, signature, letter, numeral, or a combination of these.
• Requirement: the mark must be distinctive, not descriptive, and not likely to cause confusion.

Online Services & Database

• Search: before filing, an applicant can ask URSB for a search to check whether the mark already exists, for a prescribed fee.

Examination Process

• Application: it states the mark, the class of goods or services, and the name, address and signature of the applicant.
• Examination: URSB examines the application for inherent registrability and for conflict with earlier registrations and applications.

Publication & Opposition

• Publication: an accepted application is advertised in the Uganda Gazette for 60 days.
• Opposition period: 60 days from the date of the advertisement. A person who objects gives notice to the Registrar.
• Registration: if the 60 days pass with no opposition, the Registrar enters the mark in the register on payment of the prescribed fee and issues a certificate.

Official Fees

• Search: UGX 25,000 (USD 65).
• Application: UGX 50,000 (USD 150).
• Gazette advertisement: UGX 100,000 (USD 250).
• Registration certificate: UGX 100,000 (USD 250).
• Notice of opposition: UGX 100,000 (USD 250). Counter statement: UGX 50,000 (USD 150).
• Renewal: UGX 100,000 (USD 250).
• Change of name or address: UGX 25,000 (USD 40).
• Assignment: UGX 35,000 (USD 75) within six months, UGX 100,000 (USD 250) between six and twelve months, and UGX 120,000 (USD 300) after twelve months.
• The fee schedule does not separate local and foreign applicants.

Duration & Renewal

• Validity period: a registration is valid for seven years from the filing date.
• Renewal: it can be renewed indefinitely for successive periods of ten years on payment of the prescribed renewal fee.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or consultation. To receive personalized and in-depth guidance tailored to your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation.