Ghana: Trademark

Trademark registration in Ghana is administered by the Registrar General’s Department. A multi-class filing approach is adopted, meaning applicants can include several classes of goods or services in one application.

• Applicants must present a clear representation of the trademark and pay official fees.
• A substantive examination is conducted to verify compliance with distinctiveness requirements and to check for earlier conflicting trademarks.
• Registrations are valid for 10 years from the filing date, with the option of renewing for further 10-year terms.
• Applicants must accurately provide their details (name, address) and specify the classes for which they seek protection.
• As a member of ARIPO, Ghana also allows for regional trademark filings under certain ARIPO protocols. 

Additionally, Ghana’s participation in the Madrid Protocol enables international applicants to designate Ghana through a single international application.