Trademarks
- Is trademark protection in Nigeria available through registration?
YES
- Are the following signs registrable: Letters, Numbers, Surname, First Name, Geographical Names, Colours, Dimensional signs?
YES, APART FROM FIRST NAME AND GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES
- Can an application filed in black and white claim priority of an application filed in colour?
YES
- Are Services protectable in Nigeria?
YES
- What are the common grounds for refusal of Trademarks Application?
DESCRIPTIVENESS, PUBLIC POLICY, IMMORALITY, SIMILARLY REGISTERED MARK
- Does the law provide for opposition proceedings?
YES
- May opposition be filed after registration?
NO, BUT WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF THE ADVERTISEMENT OF THE MARK IN THE TRADEMARK JOURNAL
- Is prior use a good ground for opposition of the mark?
YES
- Can the form of the mark be modified at the time of the renewal?
NO
- Can the mark be assigned?
YES
- Must a change of ownership and address be recorded in the Trademark Register?
YES
- Is prior consent of Registrar required before a Trademark can be assigned?
NO
- Does the law recognize licenses?
YES
- Does the law provide for revocation?
YES
- How are goods classified?
INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS
Patents
- What is the duration of patent?
20 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FILING
- Can a patent be declared a nulity?
YES
- Can a patent be assigned?
YES
- Are patents scientifically examined?
NO EXAMINATION IS DONE AS TO CONFORMITY WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW
- What is the scope of protection?
THIS IS DETERMINED BY THE TERMS OF CLAIM