Trademark Registration in Guinea-Bissau: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Guinea-Bissau are administered by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). As a member state, Guinea-Bissau does not have its own national trademark registration system. A single application filed with OAPI provides trademark protection in all 17 OAPI member states simultaneously, including Guinea-Bissau. This "all or nothing" system means protection is automatically unitary across all member countries, and applicants cannot designate specific states.
On this page
Guinea Bissau 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
Guinea-Bissau is a West African nation with an economy primarily driven by agriculture (cashew nuts, rice, and fish) and forestry. While the country faces developmental challenges, it offers opportunities in sectors such as agribusiness and fisheries. As a member of OAPI, securing trademark protection through the regional system ensures brand protection in Guinea-Bissau as well as in 16 other African markets (mainly French-speaking nations), making it an efficient strategy for businesses looking to establish a presence in West and Central Africa.
Why register your trademark in Guinea Bissau
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Guinea-Bissau.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Guinea-Bissau’s legal system and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Guinea-Bissau.
Regional Protection Advantage
Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea Bissau
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 Guinea-Bissau.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Guinea-Bissau trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Guinea-Bissau trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Guinea-Bissau trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Guinea-Bissau.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Guinea-Bissau brand.
Trademark registration process in Guinea Bissau
Here is how to register a trademark in Guinea Bissau, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Guinea-Bissau.
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 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 proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark is registered, and a certificate is issued. The registration takes effect in all 17 OAPI member states simultaneously.
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.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Guinea Bissau
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.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Guinea-Bissau is governed by the Bangui Agreement (revised in 2015, effective January 1, 2022), which serves as the foundational treaty for OAPI and harmonizes intellectual property laws across all member states. The competent authority is the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon. OAPI is also a member of the Paris Convention, Madrid Protocol, and TRIPS Agreement.
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 Guinea Bissau today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Guinea Bissau. 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.
