Registering a trademark with the Industrial Property Office (IPI) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce takes about 12–24 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 30 months.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 60 days from the publication of the application in the Boletim da Propriedade Industrial (official bulletin).
In Mozambique, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, three-dimensional marks, and sound marks, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in Mozambique, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $200–400 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 49 of the Industrial Property Code.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the registration date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
A strong brand identity not only distinguishes your products or services but also builds trust with customers worldwide. Mozambique, an emerging market in southeastern Africa with growing economic opportunities, has become an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs. To operate legally and securely in Mozambique, registering your trademark is essential. This ensures your exclusive rights, safeguards your business from imitation, and enhances your brand’s value.
Registering your trademark in Mozambique offers several key benefits beyond legal compliance:
Protection Against Copying and Unfair Competition: A registered trademark prevents others from using a confusingly similar tm logo trademark, reducing the risk of brand dilution.
Exclusive Rights: The owner of a registered mark gains the exclusive right to use the trademark registered logo within Mozambique, ensuring full control over its commercial use.
Increased Business Value: A trademark registration mark is a valuable intangible asset that adds worth to your company.
Licensing and Franchising Opportunities: Registered logos can be licensed or franchised, opening new revenue streams.
Legal Advantage in Disputes: In case of conflicts over rights to the brand, a registration mark serves as crucial evidence in courts or trade mark office search procedures.
The Industrial Property Institute of Mozambique (IPI) is the governing body responsible for trademark registration. The process follows several important steps:
Trademark Name Search: Before submitting your application, conducting a trademark name search or trade mark office search is vital to ensure your proposed mark does not conflict with existing registered trademarks. This reduces the risk of refusal or oppositions.
Filing the Application: The application must include:
Applicant’s full name and address
A clear representation of the tm trademark logo or tm logo you wish to register
A list of goods and services classified according to international classification standards
Power of attorney if the application is submitted through an agent
Formal Examination: The IPI verifies that the application meets all formal requirements.
Substantive Examination: This involves checking the distinctiveness and compliance of the trademark with Mozambique’s intellectual property laws.
Publication and Opposition: If approved, the trademark is published in the official gazette. Third parties may oppose the registration within a specified period.
Issuance of Registration Certificate: Provided there are no oppositions or once they are resolved in favor of the applicant, the registered trademark certificate is issued. The registration mark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and can be renewed indefinitely.
Once registered, the trademark is recorded in the national trademark register, making it publicly accessible. This facilitates future trade mark office search and ensures your brand’s protection is transparent and enforceable.
Navigating the registration process without expert guidance can be risky:
Incomplete or incorrect documentation might cause delays or outright rejection.
Failure to conduct a thorough trademark name search increases the chance of conflicts.
Legal complexities in handling oppositions or refusals require specialized knowledge.
ProfitMark offers comprehensive assistance to streamline your trademark registration process in Mozambique:
Complete Support: From initial consultation to obtaining the registration mark, we manage every stage.
Trademark Search: We conduct an exhaustive trade mark office search to ensure your tm logo trademark is unique.
Remote Filing: Documents can be submitted without your physical presence in Mozambique.
Legal Support: In case of oppositions or disputes, our legal experts provide professional representation.
Transparent Pricing: We guarantee clear costs and fixed deadlines with no hidden fees.
Over 13 years of experience in trademark registration worldwide.
Successful registrations in more than 30 countries.
A team of international experts familiar with local laws.
Personalized service tailored to your specific needs.
Fully online service allowing you to manage registration remotely.
Commitment to high-quality service at every step.
Don’t delay securing your brand in Mozambique. Trademark registration is essential for protecting your intellectual property rights and enhancing your business prospects in this emerging market. With ProfitMark, the process is simple, transparent, and reliable. Contact us today and take a proactive step to safeguard the future of your business.