Trademark Registration in Ethiopia – Key Procedures, Costs, and Legal Considerations

To provide our clients with a comprehensive understanding of trademark registration in Ethiopia, we are pleased to outline the essential procedures, estimated costs, and important legal notes below.

Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa, with a population of over 120 million and rising consumer demand across sectors such as food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. For Vietnamese businesses planning to distribute or export goods to this market, trademark registration in Ethiopia is crucial to protect intellectual property rights and avoid potential legal disputes.

✅ 1. Why Register a Trademark in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is not only a rapidly developing economy but also a promising market for Vietnamese products. Registering a trademark in Ethiopia offers several key benefits:

🔒 Prevents unauthorized use or imitation of your trademark
📜 Legally secures your intellectual property rights in Ethiopia
💼 Enhances brand value, supporting fundraising or transfer opportunities
🚀 Strengthens competitive advantage in export and distribution procedures

✅ 2. Trademark Registration Procedure in Ethiopia

Currently, Ethiopia is not a member of the Madrid System, so international trademark registration via Madrid is not applicable. To register a trademark in Ethiopia, applicants must file directly with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) through a local IP representative.

🔄 Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Trademark Search

Conduct a preliminary search to avoid conflicts with existing trademarks.
Though not mandatory, this step is highly recommended to reduce the risk of rejection.

Step 2: Prepare Application Documents

Trademark sample
Owner’s information
List of goods/services
Other required supporting documents

Step 3: Submit Application

The application is received and examined by EIPA.
An official application number is issued upon completion of the examination.

Step 4: Publication and Certificate Issuance

The trademark is published for opposition within 60 days.
If no objections are raised, the trademark will be officially registered.

✅ 3. Additional Notes on Trademark Registration in Ethiopia

⏳ Estimated Processing Time: 12–18 months from the filing date, assuming no objections, amendments, or appeals.
📅 Protection Term: 7 years from the registration date, renewable thereafter. (Note: This differs from the standard 10-year term in most countries.)
💰 Registration Costs: Depend on the number of product/service classes and publication fees (based on gazette page size).
📑 Document Requirements: Legalization, certified translation into English, and notarization may be required per Ethiopian regulations.
🌐 Language: All documents must be submitted in English. Translation may be necessary if originals are in other languages.

📞 Contact Us for Trademark Registration in Ethiopia

We offer full-service support for trademark registration in Ethiopia, including consultation, document preparation, and filing. For inquiries or quotations, please contact us directly.

ANLIS VIETNAM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CO., LTD
📍 Address: No. 151, Alley 254 Minh Khai Street, Mai Dong Ward, Hoàng Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 899 886 060
📧 Email: ip@anlis.vn