Trademark applications in Ethiopia are filed at the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, typically on a multi-class basis (one application can cover multiple classes of goods or services).
Applicants must file a clear depiction of the trademark and pay prescribed fees.
A substantive exam checks the trademark’s distinctiveness and potential conflicts with prior rights.
Registrations generally last for 7 years from the filing date and can be renewed for subsequent 7-year periods.
Applicants are required to provide accurate details, including name, address, and the class chosen for the goods or services.
Upon successful registration, the trademark owner has the exclusive right to use or license the mark in Ethiopia. Enforcement measures, including administrative and judicial actions, are available against unauthorized use.