NIGERIA: TEMPORARY MANUAL SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR PENDING TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS ON THE ONLINE SYSTEM

The Nigerian Trademark Registry has recently introduced a temporary measure to address the prolonged delays in processing applications through its online filing system. This step is seen as a significant move to ease difficulties faced by trademark owners and businesses whose applications have been pending without progress.

Under this measure, trademark applications that were filed online but remain unprocessed for an extended period may now be resubmitted manually (manual resubmission).

1. Scope of Application

The manual submission procedure is currently limited to cases where the online system has been unable to process applications, including:

• Amendments;
• Appeals;
• Refusals;
• Withdrawals.

To proceed, applicants must submit a formal request along with copies of all relevant supporting documents.

2. Significance of the Change

The introduction of this temporary manual submission procedure is expected to:

• Provide a practical solution to avoid excessive delays in the online system;
• Offer more flexibility in filing and processing trademark matters;
• Facilitate faster trademark protection, especially for businesses that require urgent brand enforcement in Nigeria.

However, it should be noted that this is only a temporary solution, and its effectiveness will need to be observed over time.

3. Recommendations for Trademark Owners

Trademark owners and businesses are advised to:

• Closelymonitor the implementation of this new procedure;
• Prepare necessary documentsin advance to proceed with manual submission if required;
• Seekprofessional advice to choose the most suitable strategy and minimize risks during the process.

ANLIS – Supporting Your Trademark Needs in Nigeria

At ANLIS, we continuously monitor changes in trademark procedures not only in Nigeria but also across multiple jurisdictions. With extensive experience in handling international trademark matters, our team is ready to assist clients by:

• Ensuring full compliance with Nigerian legal requirements;
• Minimizing risks and avoiding unnecessary delays;
• Providingstrategic guidance tailored to each case;
• Supporting clients throughout the entire process, from preparation to final completion.

We also note that each trademark application may have its own unique circumstances, which should be carefully assessed before proceeding with manual resubmission.

📧 Email: ip@anlis.vn

📞 Tel: +84 899 88 6060

📱 Mobile/Viber/WhatsApp: +84-366 469 436

🌐 Website: https://anlis.vn