Trademark Registration in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed through a local attorney. A power of attorney notarized and legalized by the consulate is required. A list of the classes in which the mark will be used must be provided. Sixteen logo specimens of the mark must be provided. If priority is claimed, an English translation, notarized and legalized by the consulate, must be provided. A multi-class system is used, based on the international Nice Classification. The term of protection is 7 years. The trademark can be used indefinitely by renewing it every 7 years. After examination, the mark is published for 60 days in the official patent bulletin or in a high-circulation newspaper, during which third parties may file oppositions. There is a 3-year obligation to use the mark. If the mark is not used for 3 years, third parties may bring an action for its cancellation. Renewal is required every 7 years.