Trademark Registration in Rwanda: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademarks in Rwanda are administered by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through its Intellectual Property Department. Rwanda is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It conducts a formal and substantive examination that is primarily focused on absolute grounds and formal conflicts; detailed relative grounds examination is limited.
On this page
Why register your trademark in Rwanda
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Rwanda.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwandan courts.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across all regions of Rwanda, regardless of where the business operates.
Market Positioning
Strengthens brand identity, builds consumer trust, and enhances competitive advantage in Rwanda’s growing market.
Our trademark services in Rwanda
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 Rwanda.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Rwandan trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Rwanda trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Rwandan trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Rwanda.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Rwandan brand.
Trademark registration process in Rwanda
Here is how to register a trademark in Rwanda, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Rwanda.
Filing
The trademark application is filed with the RDB – IP Unit and upon submission, the application is assigned an official filing date and application number.
Examination
The RDB conducts formal and substantive examination, and if objections arise, an Office Action is issued, and the applicant must respond within the prescribed time.
Acceptance & Publication
If the application passes examination, it is accepted and published in the Official Gazette of Rwanda for public notice.
Opposition Period
Following publication, third parties may file an opposition within 60 days from the publication date. If no opposition is filed, or the opposition is unsuccessful, the application proceeds to registration
Registration
Once all requirements are met, RDB issues the Trademark Registration Certificate, granting exclusive trademark rights in Rwanda.
Validity & Renewal
A registered trademark in Rwanda is valid for 10 years from the filing date. The registration may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees. Renewal applications should be filed before expiry or within the prescribed grace period with surcharge.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Rwanda
Applicant's legal name and address.
Clear Representation of the mark
Description of goods/services
Passport Copy of the Applicant/ Authorised signatory
Copy of CR/Incorporation Certificate.
Priority claim (if applicable) with proof
Power of Attorney if filed through agent
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 6-12 months from filing to registration in a
straightforward case with no objection or opposition
Validity and renewal
A registered trademark in Rwanda is valid for 10 years from the
filing date. The registration may be renewed indefinitely for
successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Renewal applications should be filed before expiry or within the
prescribed grace period with surcharge
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 Rwanda: FAQ
Are well-known trademarks protected in Rwanda?
Yes. Well-known marks are protected, even without registration, subject to proof.
Can trademarks be assigned or licensed?
Yes. Assignments and licences are permitted and should be recorded with RDB.
Can trademarks be registered in languages other than English?
Yes. Marks may be in any language, but translations may be required.
Can Rwanda trademarks support regional expansion?
Yes. Rwanda is a strategic East African market, and ARIPO coverage enhances regional protection.
Does Rwanda examine marks for public interest concerns?
Yes. Marks contrary to public order, morality, or national symbols are refused
Is evidence of use required for renewal?
No. Proof of use is not required at the renewal stage.
Can a trademark registration be amended after filing?
Only minor, non-substantive amendments are permitted.
Does Rwanda recognise trademark dilution?
Yes. Famous and well-known marks may be protected against dilution.
Can trademark rights be suspended?
No. Rights remain valid unless cancelled, revoked, or expired.
Can trademarks be challenged after registration?
Yes. Invalidation or cancellation actions may be filed post-registration.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
We cover 190+ countries and regional offices. See every country we cover.
Register your trademark in Rwanda today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Rwanda. 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.
