Trademark Registration in Kiribati: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Kiribati are administered by the Intellectual Property Division (IPD) operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC). Kiribati currently operates under a UK-based re-registration system through the Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap 88). A new Trademark Act 2019 was passed on 20 August 2019, but the accompanying regulations required for its full implementation are still under review by the Office of the Attorney General. Until then, the old UK-based system remains active.
On this page
Kiribati trademark registration at a glance
- System
- No local registration system
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Madrid Protocol
- No
- Language
- English
- Opposition period
- Not applicable
- Typical timeline
- Not applicable
- Validity
- Not applicable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Introduction
Kiribati is a Pacific island nation comprising 33 coral atolls, with an economy driven by fishing, agriculture, tourism, and remittances. As businesses expand into the Pacific region, securing trademark protection is crucial for safeguarding brand identity. Given Kiribati's unique UK-dependent re-registration system, a proactive approach to securing a corresponding UK trademark is required for protection here.
Why register your trademark in Kiribati
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Kiribati.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through Kiribati’s legal system and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Kiribati.
Regional Protection Advantage
Kiribati is not a member of the Madrid Protocol or any major regional trademark systems, so protection must be obtained through national registration within the country.
Our trademark services in Kiribati
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 Kiribati.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Kiribati trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Kiribati trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Kiribati trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Kiribati.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Kiribati brand.
Trademark registration process in Kiribati
Here is how to register a trademark in Kiribati, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Kiribati.
Filing
Trademark protection is generally obtained by extending a registered UK trademark to Kiribati.
Examination
No independent substantive examination system currently exists at the national level.
Publication
No structured national publication system currently in place.
Opposition Period
Formal pre-registration period not well established.
Registration
Protection is granted based on recognition of the UK trademark registration within Kiribati jurisdiction.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Kiribati
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney
UK registration certificate (mandatory for extension)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Dependent on the UK registration process and administrative procedures. Generally, varies significantly due to transitional legal framework
Validity and renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive periods, subject to applicable regulations.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Kiribati is governed by:
• Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Ordinance (Chapter 88, Revised Edition 1977)
• Emerging framework under Trademark Act 2019 (not fully implemented)
Competent Authority:
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC)
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 Kiribati today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Kiribati. 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.
