1. What is a Trademark?
A Trademark is a distinctive sign or mark which identifies certain goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services, or to authorize another to use it in return for payment.


2. Should I register my Trademark?
It is prudent to register your Trademark. A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights and offers far greater legal protection than those without registered trademarks.


3. In what Countries should I apply for Trademark Protection?
Trademark protection is territorial, meaning that your Trademark is only protected in countries in which it is registered. The country of registration is thus depended on where you market and exploit your goods/services. If the majority of customers or clients are in Zimbabwe, then you must register your Trademark in Zimbabwe. If the business is exporting to other territories, then registration should be sought in those countries.


4. What does the ® symbol mean?
The ® symbol designates that a trademark is registered and unauthorised use of the mark may result in an infringement action.


5. How long does Trademark Protection Last?
10 years. It is also possible to renew a trademark for another period of ten years after expiry of the first 10 years


6. What is a Trademark Class?
A trademark application should include the list of goods or services in relation to which the trademark will be used. There are 45 classes with some classes representing goods and the other classes representing services. A trademark Attorney will assist in ensuring that a trademark is registered in the proper class.


7. Should I register my Trademark with ZIPO or ARIPO?
The Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) is the government department responsible for the registration of Trademarks. Registration of Trademarks with ZIPO is for protection in Zimbabwe only. The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) is an intergovernmental organization for cooperation among African states on Intellectual Property. Trademark registration through ARIPO can potentially be for protection in 12 countries including Zimbabwe.


8. How long does it take to get trademark protection?
If the registration of a trademark is undertaken through ZIPO, registration may typically take around 4 to 6 months (provided there are no oppositions to the process). If registration is undertaken through ARIPO registration may take around 12 months.


9. How much does it cost to register a Trademark?
The cost for registration can be broken into two;

(a) The amount paid to the Trademark office as filing fees;
(b) The costs for the Trademark attorney’s services – The fees charged by Trademark attorneys will differ depending on the attorney engaged and the services being offered for registration.


For assistance on Intellectual Property inquiries kindly get hold of our IP Practice Group on info@mmmlawfirm.co.zw