Trademark Registration in Lesotho: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Lesotho are administered by the Registrar General’s Office (RGO), which functions as the national Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Law and Constitutional Affairs. The office is responsible for the registration of trademarks, patents, and industrial designs.
Lesotho is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization, allowing both national filings and regional filings through ARIPO.
Protection can be obtained through national filings, ARIPO regional filings, or international registrations via the Madrid System
On this page
Introduction
Lesotho is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, economically integrated with South Africa. Key sectors include textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. As businesses expand into Southern Africa, securing trademark protection in Lesotho is important for safeguarding brand identity in both national and regional markets.
Lesotho follows a first-to-file system, making early registration particularly relevant. The country offers three filing routes: national directly with the Registrar General’s Office; regional via ARIPO designating Lesotho; and international via the Madrid Protocol.
Why register your trademark in Lesotho
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Lesotho.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Lesotho’s legal system and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Lesotho.
Regional Protection Advantage
Lesotho is a member of ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization), allowing broader regional protection through a single application covering multiple member countries.
Our trademark services in Lesotho
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in Lesotho.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Lesotho trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Lesotho trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Lesotho trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Lesotho.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Lesotho brand.
Trademark registration process in Lesotho
Here is how to register a trademark in Lesotho, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Lesotho.
Filing
Applications are filed with the Registrar General’s Office or through ARIPO designating Lesotho.
Examination
Applications are examined for formal and substantive requirements, including distinctiveness and conflicts with prior marks.
Publication
Accepted applications are published for opposition purposes in the Official Gazette.
Opposition Period
Third parties can oppose an application within 3 months from the date of advertisement in the Official Gazette. Practically, obtaining extensions of the opposition term is possible by applying to the Registrar, who has the power under the legislation to grant extensions of time
Registration
If no opposition is filed or successfully resolved, the trademark proceeds to registration.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Lesotho
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney (simply signed)
Priority document (if applicable)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 6–12 months if no objections/oppositions. May extend depending on examination or disputes
Validity and renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Lesotho is governed by:
• Industrial Property Order, 1989
Competent Authority:
Registrar General’s Office (RGO)
The law provides protection for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs and aligns with international standards such as the Paris Convention.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
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Register your trademark in Lesotho today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Lesotho. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
