Kiribati
Trademark Registration in Kiribati - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Kiribati are administered by the Intellectual Property Division (IPD) operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC). Kiribati currently operates under a UK-based re-registration system through the Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap 88). A new Trademark Act 2019 was passed on 20 August 2019, but the accompanying regulations required for its full implementation are still under review by the Office of the Attorney General. Until then, the old UK-based system remains active.
Introduction
Kiribati is a Pacific island nation comprising 33 coral atolls, with an economy driven by fishing, agriculture, tourism, and remittances. As businesses expand into the Pacific region, securing trademark protection is crucial for safeguarding brand identity. Given Kiribati's unique UK-dependent re-registration system, a proactive approach to securing a corresponding UK trademark is required for protection here.
Why Trademark Registration in Kiribati Is Important for Brand Protection?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Kiribati.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Kiribati’s legal system and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Kiribati.
Regional Protection Advantage: Kiribati is not a member of the Madrid Protocol or any major regional trademark systems, so protection must be obtained through national registration within the country.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Kiribati
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Kiribati.
Filing
Trademark protection is generally obtained by extending a registered UK trademark to Kiribati.
Examination
No independent substantive examination system currently exists at the national level.
Publication
No structured national publication system currently in place.
Opposition Period
Formal pre-registration period not well established.
Registration
Protection is granted based on recognition of the UK trademark registration within Kiribati jurisdiction.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Kiribati is governed by:
• Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Ordinance (Chapter 88, Revised Edition 1977)
• Emerging framework under Trademark Act 2019 (not fully implemented)
Competent Authority:
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC)
Trademark Services Available in Kiribati
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership changes in the Kiribati
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Kiribati brand.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership changes in the Kiribati
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Kiribati brand.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership changes in the Kiribati
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Kiribati brand.
Documents for Filing
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney
UK registration certificate (mandatory for extension)
| Service Description | Official Fee | Attorney Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark Search (Optional) | -- | -- | 0 |
| Registration (Filing to Registration) | -- | -- | 0 |
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
**Last updated on: March 17, 2026
Timeline
Dependent on the UK registration process and administrative procedures. Generally, varies significantly due to transitional legal framework
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Need expert guidance for Kiribati trademark registration?
Book a 1:1 consultation with our trademark specialists.
Register early under the first-to-file system to prevent brand hijacking.
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