Trademark Registration in Gabon: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Gabon are administered by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). Gabon does not have a national trademark registration system. Instead, a single application filed with OAPI provides protection in all 17 member states, including Gabon. The system is based on the Bangui Agreement and follows a first-to-file principle, including formal and substantive examination.
On this page
Gabon trademark registration at a glance
- System
- First-to-file (via OAPI)
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, via OAPI (since 2015)
- Language
- French
- Opposition period
- 3 months from publication (OAPI)
- Typical timeline
- 6 to 12 months without objections
- Validity
- 10 years, renewable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Introduction
Gabon, located in Central Africa, is a resource-rich country with a developing economy driven by oil, mining, and forestry sectors. As a member of OAPI, Gabon offers businesses a regional trademark protection system, enabling protection across multiple African jurisdictions through a single application. This makes it strategically beneficial for companies targeting expansion in Francophone Africa.
Why register your trademark in Gabon
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Gabon.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Gabon’s legal system and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Gabon.
Regional Protection Advantage
Gabon is a member of OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle), allowing trademark protection across multiple member countries through a single registration.
Our trademark services in Gabon
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 Gabon.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Gabon trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Gabon trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Gabon trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Gabon.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Gabon brand.
Trademark registration process in Gabon
Here is how to register a trademark in Gabon, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Gabon.
Filing
Trademark applications are filed with OAPI, including applicant details, representation of the mark, and specification of goods/services under the Nice Classification.
Examination
OAPI conducts both formal and substantive examination to assess compliance with the Bangui Agreement.
Publication
Accepted applications are published in the OAPI Official Bulletin.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 3 months from the date of publication for applications filed on or after January 1, 2022.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if opposition is resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark proceeds to registration and a certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks registered through OAPI are valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-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 Gabon
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney (Signed)
Priority document (if priority is claimed)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 8–12 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.
Validity and renewal
Trademarks registered through OAPI are valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Gabon is governed by the Bangui Agreement and the regulations of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI). The Bangui Agreement was revised in 2015, with the new provisions coming into effect on January 1, 2022. The competent authority is the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).
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 Gabon today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Gabon. 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.
