ONYXOperating in NigeriaEnter Terminal
← All operating procedures
Start & structureBusinessNigeria

Register a trademark

Protect a brand at the Trademarks, Patents & Designs Registry: search → file via accredited agent → examination → Journal publication → opposition → certificate.

Procedure
5steps
Coordination
4agencies
Category
Start & structureBusiness
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

RequirementsRead the trademark registration procedureNigerian Industrial Property Office · nipo.gov.ngApply onlineOpen the accredited-agent filing portalNigerian Industrial Property Office · nipo.gov.ngNIPO online filing is restricted to accredited agents.FeesCheck official fees and chargesNigerian Industrial Property Office · nipo.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

Trademarks, Patents & Designs RegistryTrademarks Registry (via agent)Registrar of TrademarksTrademarks Registry
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Search the trademark register

    Agency
    Trademarks, Patents & Designs Registry
    What is required
    Search the register for availability of the mark in the relevant class(es). Applications must be filed through an accredited agent/lawyer (not personally).
    Documents
    Proposed mark; goods/services class
    Typical timeline
    Search ~1-3 days; fee ~₦5,000-₦10,000
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    File the application via an accredited agent

    Agency
    Trademarks Registry (via agent)
    What is required
    Issue a Power of Attorney to the agent and file the application. Filing fee about ₦50,000 per class.
    Documents
    Power of Attorney; mark representation; applicant details
    Typical timeline
    Filing same day; ₦50,000/class
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Examination and acceptance

    Agency
    Registrar of Trademarks
    What is required
    The Registrar examines the mark for distinctiveness and compliance; issues an Acceptance letter if satisfied.
    Documents
    Filed application
    Typical timeline
    ~3-6 months
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    Publication and opposition

    Agency
    Trademarks Registry
    What is required
    The accepted mark is advertised in the Trademark Journal and is open to opposition for 2 months from advertisement.
    Documents
    Acceptance letter
    Typical timeline
    2-month opposition window
    Use for this step
  5. 05

    Certificate of registration

    Agency
    Trademarks Registry
    What is required
    If unopposed and all fees are paid, the Registrar enters the mark and issues the certificate. Valid 7 years initially, then renewable every 14 years.
    Documents
    No opposition; fees paid
    Typical timeline
    Total ~12-18 months; valid 7 yrs then renew every 14
    Use for this step
Start & structure
BusinessCertify a locally-made product (SON MANCAP)BusinessComply with data protection (NDPA / NDPC)BusinessHire a foreign worker (Expatriate Quota & CERPAC)BusinessObtain an ISP / telecoms licence (NCC)BusinessOpen a restaurant / food businessBusinessRegister a business for tax (TIN & VAT)