Registering a trademark with the Directorate of Industrial Property under the Ministry of Industry takes about 12–18 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 24 months.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 60 days from the publication of the application in the Journal Officiel (official gazette).
In the DRC, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, and three-dimensional marks, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in the DRC, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $300–600 for one class of goods/services, including registration and publication fees. Additional costs may include legal services or fees for extra classes.
No, use is not mandatory, but non-use for 5 consecutive years after registration may lead to cancellation upon third-party request, as per Article 29 of the Industrial Property Law.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the filing date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
As businesses expand into new and promising markets, securing intellectual property rights becomes crucial for maintaining brand identity, value, and legal standing. One such promising destination is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—a country rich in natural resources and emerging economic potential.
Whether you are entering the Congolese market or seeking to prevent third parties from using your intellectual property without consent, trademark registration is your first line of defense. A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to your brand elements—such as your name, logo, or slogan—and protects you from copying, unauthorized use, or unfair competition.
Registering your tm trademark logo in the DRC provides numerous advantages for your business:
Legal Protection: By registering a registered logo, you obtain the legal right to prevent others from using a similar mark that may confuse consumers.
Exclusive Rights: A tm registration mark grants you exclusive usage of your brand within the jurisdiction of the DRC.
Brand Value: A registered mark enhances the commercial value of your business and makes it more appealing to investors and partners.
Licensing and Franchising: A registered tm logo can be licensed or franchised to other entities, opening up new revenue streams.
Dispute Resolution: In case of infringement or legal dispute, a trademark registered logo strengthens your position and gives you clear legal advantages.
In essence, having your trademark registration completed in the DRC secures your brand’s identity and adds strategic value to your operations.
Registering a trademark name in the Democratic Republic of the Congo involves a structured process. Understanding the key steps is vital for a successful application:
Before filing, a trade mark office search must be conducted to ensure the desired tm logo or name is not already registered. This helps avoid refusals or conflicts during the process.
To initiate the tm registration, you must submit your application to the Congolese Trademark Office, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Industry. The application should include:
Trademark representation (tm trademark logo, wordmark, or design)
Description of goods or services
Applicant’s details
Priority claim (if applicable)
Power of attorney (if filing via a representative)
Once the application is received, the office conducts a formal and substantive examination. This includes checking for compliance and potential conflicts with previously registered marks.
If the mark passes examination, it is published in the official gazette. A 30- to 60-day opposition window allows third parties to challenge the application if they believe it infringes upon an existing registration mark.
If no objections are filed—or any objections are resolved—the office will issue a certificate of trademark registration. The registered trademark is valid for 10 years and is renewable.
To successfully register your trademark registered logo, you will typically need:
A clear image of the tm logo
Name and address of the applicant
List of goods or services
Power of attorney (notarized)
Priority documents (if applicable)
Initial Term: 10 years from the filing date
Renewal: Indefinitely renewable every 10 years
Grace Period: Usually available with a late renewal fee
Navigating the tm registration process in the DRC can be complex. Without professional assistance, you may encounter:
Language and administrative barriers
Delays due to incorrect or incomplete documentation
Rejection due to prior conflicting trademarks
Legal complications if facing oppositions
ProfitMark offers comprehensive support to ensure a smooth, reliable, and successful trademark registration experience in the DRC. Here's how we can assist:
Full-cycle service: From the initial trademark name search to receiving your official registration mark, we manage every step.
Trademark uniqueness check: Our experts run detailed trade mark office searches to identify conflicts and maximize your chances of approval.
Remote filing: You can complete the entire tm register process without visiting the DRC—ProfitMark handles everything on your behalf.
Legal representation: In case of objections or disputes, our legal team defends your registered mark with a solid strategy.
Transparent pricing: No hidden costs. We offer fixed fees and clearly defined timeframes for each stage of tm registration.
Our clients choose us for our experience, expertise, and commitment to excellence:
13+ years of experience in global trademark registration
Successful cases in over 30 countries
International team of trademark experts and legal advisors
Personalized service for each client, no matter the size of the business
Digital platform: Handle the entire tm registration process online
Guaranteed service quality
Whether you are looking to register a restricted trademark or protect your tm logo in international markets, ProfitMark ensures a seamless experience tailored to your needs.
Don’t delay when it comes to protecting your brand. A registered trademark in the Democratic Republic of the Congo not only secures your intellectual property rights but also opens the door to greater business opportunities in Central Africa.
With ProfitMark, the trademark registration process becomes clear, efficient, and reliable. Let us help you safeguard your brand and unlock new market potential.
Contact us today to start your tm registration in the DRC—because your brand deserves the strongest protection.