Burundi
Trademark Registration in Burundi - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Burundi, a landlocked country located in the heart of the African Great Lakes region, is a nation with a growing population of approximately 13 million and a developing market economy. Bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi sits at a strategic crossroads for trade within East and Central Africa, making it an increasingly important jurisdiction for brand owners seeking to protect their intellectual property.
Burundi’s legal system is rooted in civil law, reflecting its Belgian and French colonial heritage. French is the official language of government, commerce, and the judiciary, and all trademark proceedings are conducted in French, though English is also used in business contexts.
Introduction
The country has modernised its intellectual property framework substantially. Burundi's trademark laws are codified in the Law No. 1/13 of July 28, 2009, on the Protection of Industrial Property, which replaced the previous indefinite-term system and aligned Burundi's IP regime with international standards. Trademark registration is essential for any business operating in or exporting to Burundi.
Critically, Burundi operates its own national trademark registration system. Although it is not a member of any regional African IP organisations such as ARIPO or OAPI, Burundi has implemented its own procedures to ensure that both local and foreign applicants can secure and enforce intellectual property rights in its territory. Burundi is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Berne Convention, and the WTO TRIPS Agreement. This means trademarks may be filed directly with the national office.
Why Trademark Registration in Burundi Is Important for Brand Protection?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Burundi.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Burundi’s legal system and relevant courts.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Burundi.
Regional Protection Advantage: Burundi is a member of ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization), allowing broader regional protection through a single application covering multiple member countries.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Burundi
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Burundi.
Preliminary Search (Recommended)
While not mandatory, conducting a trademark search before filing is strongly recommended. However, there is currently no trademark search system at OBPI. You may conduct a search through other sources such as professional law firms and intellectual property representatives or by contacting OBPI directly. The WIPO Global Brand Database can also be used to look up international trademarks with protection designations in Burundi.
Filing
The application is submitted to OBPI (Office Burundais de la Propriété Industrielle). Upon filing, the applicant receives a filing receipt with an application number and filing date. Multi-class applications are possible, covering any number of classes, with extra charges for every additional class from the 4th class onwards.
Examination
Applications undergo formal examination and substantive examination. If the application is refused, the applicant may respond to objections raised by the examiner.
Publication and Opposition
If the application is found to be acceptable, it is published in the Official Bulletin (the prescribed manner). The opposition period in Burundi is 30 days from the date of publication, as provided in Article 301 of the 2009 Law.
Registration Certificate
If the Industrial Property Director notes that the conditions for registration have been met, the Director registers the mark, publishes a notice of registration, and grants a certificate of registration to the applicant. Should this not be the case, the application is rejected.
Validity and Renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of filing the application. Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods. Renewal must be requested before expiration. A grace period is allowed with a surcharge.
Governing Law
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Burundi is governed by:
• Law No. 1/13 of July 28, 2009, on the Protection of Industrial Property — the primary legislation governing trademarks, patents, and industrial designs, which modernised Burundi's IP regime in line with international standards.
• Regulations implementing the 2009 Law — detailed procedural regulations, though it is worth noting that implementing regulations have not yet been fully promulgated; however, the 2009 Law is currently applied by the Registrar.
Prior to the 2009 Law, once registered, a trademark remained valid indefinitely. The 2009 Law altered this position, establishing a fixed 10-year term with indefinite renewability. The legal framework is TRIPS-compliant and aligns with the Paris Convention and other international IP treaties.
Competent Authority
Trademark applications are filed with the Office Burundais de la Propriété Industrielle (OBPI) — the Burundi Industrial Property Office — which operates under the Ministry of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism (MCTIT). OBPI handles all aspects of trademark examination, registration, opposition, and record maintenance.
Burundi is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Madrid Protocol (joined in 2014), the Berne Convention, the WTO TRIPS Agreement, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Burundi is not a member of ARIPO, OAPI, or the PCT.
Trademark Services Available in Burundi
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership changes in the Burundi
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Burundi brand.
Documents for Filing
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney notarized (separate form required for each application) in French.
Applicant's Details
Specimen of the Mark
List of Goods/Services
Priority Document
All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Foreign applicants must file through a registered Burundian trademark attorney.
| 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
Total filing to registration is approximately 8 to 12 months (in the absence of objections or oppositions). Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application, any objections raised, oppositions filed, and administrative delays at OBPI.
Validity & Renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of filing the application. Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods. Renewal must be requested before expiration. A grace period is allowed with a surcharge.
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