Trademark FAQS
any visible sign capable of distinguishing goods or services of one person from those of other persons; it may include words, designs, letters, numerals, colours or the shape of goods or their packaging or combinations thereof
2. Can I register sound or Odour Trademarks?
No! According to Trademark Proclamation 501/2006 Article 5(1c) a trademark which consists of sound or odour are inadmissible.
3. What is A collective trademark?
a trademark distinguishing the goods or services of members of an association, which is the owner of the trademark, from those of other undertakings; What is the term of Protection for registered Trademarks?
4. What is the term of protection for a registered trademark?
The registration of a trademark shall remain valid for a period of seven years from the date of submission of the application for registration.
5. Is a registered trade mark renewable?
YES! Registration of a trademark may, upon request of the owner, be renewed for consecutive periods of seven years. The owner of the trademark shall attach a document showing the payment of renewal fee prescribed by the regulations.
6. Can I claim priority on a trademark application that is filed abroad?
YES! Any applicant who files his application in Ethiopia within six months from the date on which he first filed in a foreign country an application for the same trademark in respect of same goods or services, the date on which the application was first filed in the foreign country shall be regarded as the date of filing if the applicant claims the right of priority and furnishes within the prescribed time limit a copy of the earlier application certified as correct by the office with which it was filed and other documents and information as prescribed.
7. What is the time limit to request for renewal?
Renewal of the registration of a trademark shall be made within three months after the expiry of the registration period; provided, however, that after the expiry of the three months period, the registration may be renewed within the next six months, by paying in addition to the regular renewal fee, a penalty prescribed by the Regulations.
8. What are the rights conferred by registering trademarks?
9. What is classification for Trademarks?
10. How can foreign applicants file for trademark registration at EIPO?
