Trademark Registration in Ethiopia: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Ethiopia are administered by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA). Ethiopia operates a national trademark system and is not a member of OAPI, ARIPO, or the Madrid System. The authority is responsible for filing, examination, publication, opposition, and registration of trademarks. The system follows a first-to-file principle and includes both formal and substantive examination.
On this page
Ethiopia trademark registration at a glance
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Madrid Protocol
- No
- Language
- Amharic and English
- Opposition period
- 60 days from publication
- Typical timeline
- 6 to 12 months without objections
- Validity
- 7 years, renewable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Introduction
Ethiopia is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in East Africa, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. As a major regional market with increasing foreign investment, securing trademark protection in Ethiopia is essential for businesses looking to establish and protect their brand in a high-growth environment.
Why register your trademark in Ethiopia
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Ethiopia.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) and relevant courts.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Ethiopia.
Regional Protection Advantage
Ethiopia is not a member of ARIPO or OAPI, so trademark protection must be obtained through national registration within the country.
Our trademark services in Ethiopia
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 Ethiopia.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Ethiopia trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Ethiopia trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Ethiopia trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Ethiopia.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Ethiopia brand.
Trademark registration process in Ethiopia
Here is how to register a trademark in Ethiopia, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Ethiopia
Filing
Trademark applications are filed with EIPA through a local agent, including applicant details, representation of the mark, and specification of goods/services under the Nice Classification.
Examination
EIPA conducts both formal and substantive examination to assess compliance and registrability.
Publication
If accepted, the trademark application is published in the Official Gazette.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 60 days from the date of publication of the trademark application in the official bulletin.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if opposition proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are valid for 7 years from the filing date and may be renewed for successive 7-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Ethiopia
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney (signed copy)
Priority document (if priority is claimed)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 12–18 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.
Validity and renewal
Trademarks are valid for 7 years from the filing date and may be renewed for successive 7-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Ethiopia is governed by the Trademark Registration and Protection Proclamation. The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) is the competent authority responsible for trademark administration and registration.
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
We cover 190+ countries and regional offices. See every country we cover.
Register your trademark in Ethiopia today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Ethiopia. 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.
