Trademark Registration in Tunisia (TN): Protect Your Brand with INNORPI
Trademark registration in Tunisia gives you the exclusive right to use your brand across the country. Applications are filed with the National Institute for Standardisation and Industrial Property (INNORPI) under Law No. 2001-36 of 17 April 2001 on the protection of trademarks, as amended. Tunisia follows a first-to-file system and accepts filings in Arabic or French. Our trademark consultants handle search, filing and follow-up for businesses in Tunis, Sfax, Sousse and abroad.
On this page
Tunisia trademark registration at a glance
- IP office
- National Institute for Standardisation and Industrial Property (INNORPI), Tunis
- Law
- Law No. 2001-36 of 17 April 2001, as amended by Law No. 2007-50 of 23 July 2007
- System
- First-to-file
- Classification
- Nice Classification, edition applied
- Multi-class filing
- Yes, no limit on the number of classes
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, in force from 16 October 2013
- Language
- Arabic or French
- Opposition period
- 2 months from publication in the official industrial property gazette
- Typical timeline
- 10–14 months from filing to registration
- Validity
- 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- Official fees
- TND 690 (about USD 209) for one class to registration, including 19% VAT
- Power of attorney
- Simply signed; no notarisation, apostille or legalisation
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Introduction
Tunisia is a key business hub in North Africa and a strategic gateway to the Maghreb, the Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan African markets, with an open economy spanning tourism, textiles, automotive components, technology, and agricultural exports. Trademark protection in Tunisia is administered by INNORPI under a modern legal framework aligned with international IP standards, and registration is essential for businesses looking to operate, expand, license, or franchise within Tunisia and the wider region.
Why register your trademark in Tunisia
First to file wins.
Rights go to the first applicant. A local importer or competitor can register your brand before you enter the market.
A bridge between Europe, the Maghreb and Africa.
Tunisia has strong trade links with the EU and North Africa. Manufacturers, franchisors and exporters use it as a regional base.
EU and regional marks do not cover Tunisia.
An EU, French or Arab registration gives no rights in Tunisia. You need a Tunisian registration or a Madrid designation.
Required for enforcement and licensing.
Customs action, court claims and franchise agreements all depend on a Tunisian registration.
Our trademark services in Tunisia
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Clearance search of the INNORPI register before you file.
Trademark registration
Class selection, specification in French or Arabic, filing and follow-up to certificate.
Examination response
Replies to objections raised by INNORPI.
Opposition
Filing or defending oppositions after publication.
Renewal and recordals
Renewals, assignments, licences and changes of name or address.
Trademark watch
Monitoring of the official industrial property gazette for conflicting marks.
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your trademark consultants in Tunisia
- Local agent in Tunisia: filings go through an agent established in Tunisia, as required for foreign applicants.
- French and Arabic specifications drafted by lawyers: precise wording protects the scope you need.
- Opposition and objection experience: we handle the steps after filing, not only the filing.
- Regional planning: we coordinate Tunisia with Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Egypt and the EU.
- One point of contact: our Dubai office manages your Tunisian filing with your other markets.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
Trademark registration process in Tunisia
Here is how to register a trademark in Tunisia, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Tunisia. Legacy Partners manages each stage on your behalf — from initial clearance through to issuance of the registration certificate by INNORPI.
Search and classify (1–3 days)
We search the INNORPI register for identical and similar marks. We map your goods and services to the correct Nice classes.
File with INNORPI (same day)
We file in French or Arabic with the mark image, specification and power of attorney. You receive a filing number and date.
Examination (2–4 months)
INNORPI checks formalities and absolute grounds such as distinctiveness.
Publication
Accepted marks are published in the official industrial property gazette.
Opposition period (2 months)
Third parties may oppose within 2 months (60 days) of publication.
Registration and certificate
With no opposition, the mark is registered and the certificate issued on payment of the certificate fee. Protection runs for 10 years from the filing date.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Tunisia
Power of attorney, simply signed, in French or Arabic (or with a translation)
Applicant’s full name, address, nationality and legal form
Clear image of the mark in JPG format (for logos)
List of goods or services, which we prepare in French or Arabic
Priority document, if you claim Paris Convention priority within 6 months of a first filing abroad
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in Tunisia
Foreign applicants in Tunisia need only a simply signed power of attorney. No notarisation, apostille or consular legalisation is required. It must be in French or Arabic, or come with a translation. Applicants based outside Tunisia file through an agent established in Tunisia, which we arrange. The power of attorney can follow within 2 months of filing, so we can secure your filing date first. We send a ready-to-sign power of attorney the same day you instruct us.
Trademark registration fees in Tunisia
INNORPI’s official fees for trademark registration in Tunisia cover the first class, with a fee for each extra class. There is no separate publication fee. A 19% VAT applies to all official fees.
| Official fee | TND (excl. VAT) | TND (incl. 19% VAT) | USD (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (first class) | 500 | 595 | 180 |
| Each additional class | 100 | 119 | 36 |
| Registration certificate fee | 80 | 95 | 29 |
| Total official fees to registration (1 class) | 580 | 690 | 209 |
| Renewal fee (first class, incl. certificate, every 10 years) | 580 | 690 | 209 |
| Renewal, each additional class | 100 | 119 | 36 |
Fees last checked: 14 October 2026. USD at USD 1 = TND 3.30, rounded. Late renewal within the 6-month grace period carries a surcharge. Contact us for a fixed written quote for your filing.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
A straightforward application takes 10–14 months from filing to registration. Objections or oppositions add time. Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date, not the registration date, and can be renewed for further 10-year periods without limit. A late renewal is possible within a 6-month grace period after expiry, with a surcharge.
Validity and renewal
The trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods by paying renewal fees. A 6-month grace period is available after expiry, subject to payment of a late renewal surcharge. The trademark must be put to genuine use in Tunisia within five years of registration; failure to do so may expose the mark to cancellation on grounds of non-use upon the application of any interested third party.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Tunisia is principally governed by Law No. 2001-36 of 17 April 2001 on the Protection of Trademarks, as amended, and its implementing Decree No. 2001-1603 of 11 July 2001, supplemented by the Customs Code and Penal Code for border and criminal enforcement. Tunisia is a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, and the TRIPS Agreement, ensuring national treatment, priority rights, and protection of well-known marks.
Trademark Classes Tunisia (Nice Classification)
Tunisia follows the Nice Classification system, which categorises trademarks into 45 classes — 34 for goods (Classes 1–34) and 11 for services (Classes 35–45). INNORPI permits multi-class applications, and expert guidance from a qualified local agent is essential to select the right class or combination of classes to ensure complete and enforceable protection.
Trademark law and IP office in Tunisia
Trademarks in Tunisia are governed by Law No. 2001-36 of 17 April 2001 on the protection of trademarks of goods and services, as amended by Law No. 2007-50 of 23 July 2007, and its implementing decrees. The National Institute for Standardisation and Industrial Property (INNORPI) in Tunis receives, examines and registers marks. Accepted marks are published in the official industrial property gazette. Tunisia is a member of the Paris Convention and, since 16 October 2013, the Madrid System. Disputes go to the Court of First Instance of Tunis.
Use requirements and non-use cancellation
You do not need to use a mark before filing in Tunisia. After registration, an interested party can seek cancellation if the mark has not been used for five consecutive years without a valid reason. Keep dated invoices, packaging, advertising and online listings that show the mark in use in Tunisia.
Opposition, objections and appeals
Office objections.
If INNORPI raises an objection, you have x months to reply with arguments or an amended specification.
Opposition.
Any owner of an earlier right can oppose a published mark within 2 months (60 days) of publication. The applicant responds, and INNORPI decides.
Appeals.
INNORPI decisions can be challenged before the Tunis Court of Appeal within x days of notification.
Trademark enforcement and infringement in Tunisia
A registered trademark gives you the legal standing to stop copycats in Tunisia. Without registration, you must rely on unfair competition claims, which are harder to prove.
What counts as infringement.
Using an identical or similar mark for the same or similar goods or services, selling counterfeit products, or imitating a well-known mark.
Your enforcement options
- Cease-and-desist letter: often the fastest way to stop a local infringer.
- Infringement seizure (saisie-contrefaçon): a court-authorised bailiff can record evidence and seize infringing goods.
- Civil action: claim an injunction, damages and destruction of goods.
- Criminal penalties: counterfeiting can lead to fines and imprisonment under the trademark law.
- Customs measures: file a customs application so Tunisian Customs can detain suspected counterfeit imports.
- Online takedowns: remove infringing listings on marketplaces and social media.
Defending your registration.
Watch the official industrial property gazette and oppose conflicting marks within the 2-month window.
How Legacy Partners Global helps.
Our trademark consultants in Tunisia handle evidence gathering, cease-and-desist letters, oppositions, customs applications and coordination with local litigation counsel.
What to know before filing in Tunisia
Consider an Arabic version of the mark.
Customers and counterfeiters often use the Arabic form; file it separately if you use it.
EU marks stop at the Mediterranean.
An EU or French registration does not protect you in Tunisia.
Plan Madrid or national filing.
Tunisia can be designated through Madrid; for most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the specification.
Budget for VAT.
A 19% VAT is added to all official fees.
File before you appoint a distributor.
Register before signing with a Tunisian importer, distributor or franchisee.
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 Tunisia: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in Tunisia?
About 10–14 months from filing to registration if there is no objection or opposition.
How much does trademark registration cost in Tunisia?
Official fees total TND 690 (about USD 209) for one class to registration, including 19% VAT. Each extra class adds TND 119 (about USD 36). Contact us for a fixed written quote.
How long is a Tunisian trademark valid?
10 years from the filing date, renewable for further 10-year periods.
Can I file one application for several classes?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of classes, with a fee for each additional class.
Do I need a local trademark agent or consultant in Tunisia?
Yes. Applicants based outside Tunisia must file through an agent established in Tunisia.
How do I choose a trademark consultant in Tunisia?
Check that they work with an agent established in Tunisia, draft specifications in French or Arabic, handle oppositions, and quote official and professional fees separately.
Is an EU, French or Arab trademark valid in Tunisia?
No. Each country is separate. You must register in Tunisia, nationally or through Madrid.
What can I do if someone copies my trademark in Tunisia?
Send a cease-and-desist letter, request an infringement seizure, or sue in court. Customs measures and online takedowns stop counterfeits.
Does Tunisia follow first-to-file?
Yes. The first applicant generally gets the rights, so file before you enter the market.
Do I need to use my trademark before filing?
No. But a mark unused for five consecutive years after registration can be cancelled.
Do I need to register my trademark in Arabic?
No. You can file in Arabic or French. An Arabic version of the mark is advisable if customers will see it.
Can I register a trademark in Tunisia through the Madrid Protocol?
Yes, since 16 October 2013. For most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the specification.
What documents do I need, and does the power of attorney need notarisation or legalisation?
A simply signed power of attorney in French or Arabic, with no notarisation or legalisation, plus applicant details, the mark image and your list of goods or services. The power of attorney can follow within 2 months of filing.
How important is Arabic or French translation?
Important. INNORPI accepts filings in French or Arabic. Specifications of goods and services, powers of attorney, and supporting documents should be in one of these languages. Where a mark itself is in another foreign language or non-Latin script, a transliteration is required.
What is the best trademark registration provider in Tunisia?
Legacy Partners is a globally trusted trademark and IP services firm offering end-to-end registration, prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management in Tunisia and over 150 jurisdictions worldwide, with transparent pricing, dedicated account management, and direct access to qualified INNORPI-accredited agents.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
Register your trademark in Tunisia today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Tunisia. 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.
