The short answer
Under the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 2016, a registered mark lasts 10 years from the date of registration and renews for consecutive periods of 10 years, with a 6-month grace period and a surcharge. Priority is 6 months. A mark can be revoked if it is not genuinely used within 3 years of registration, or if use is suspended for 3 uninterrupted years.
Trademark deadlines in Liberia at a glance
These rules come from the Liberia Intellectual Property Act, 2016 (marks provisions, Chapter 10), in the English text on WIPO Lex. The prescribed periods for opposition and the fees are in the Regulations, so we confirm them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the date of registration, renewable for consecutive periods of 10 years (Section 10.9). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The date of registration (Section 10.9(a)). |
| When can I renew? | Renew for further consecutive periods of 10 years on meeting the prescribed requirements and paying the renewal fee (Section 10.9(b)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. A 6-month grace period is allowed for renewal on payment of the prescribed surcharge. If renewal does not take place as prescribed, the registration lapses (Section 10.9(c) and (d)). |
| Opposition period | After publication, any interested person can file a notice of opposition with the Director General within the prescribed period, stating the grounds. The Director General notifies the applicant, who has three months to reply (Section 10.6). |
| Reply to an office action | If the application has defects, the Director General notifies the applicant and asks for correction within two months (Section 10.6). |
| Priority claim | The period of priority is six months, counted from the filing date of the first application, excluding the filing day (Section 10.5). |
| Non-use | The Director General may revoke a registration if, within three years after the registration procedure was completed, the mark was not genuinely used in Liberia without justified reasons, or if use has been suspended for an uninterrupted three years (Section 10.10(e)). |
| Assignment | Transfers and licences of a registered mark should be recorded with LIPO. We confirm the formalities under the Regulations. |
Who can register a trademark in Liberia
Any person who uses or intends to use a mark can apply to LIPO. The Act covers marks, patents, designs, copyright and other IP in one law.
Representation. We act as your agent before LIPO. We confirm any residence or local representation rule under the Act and the Regulations before filing.
Trademark registration process in Liberia
Search
- Search the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), through a Liberian agent.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After publication, any interested person can file a notice of opposition within the prescribed period. The applicant has three months to reply (Section 10.6).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Liberia trademark validity and renewal
- A registration lasts 10 years from the date of registration.
- Renew for further 10-year periods.
- A 6-month grace period costs a surcharge.
- Use the mark in Liberia to avoid revocation.
Diarise the expiry from the date of registration and renew before it.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Liberian trademark
Invalidation
Prior rights: 5 years
A request on prior rights cannot be filed after 5 years from registration unless the registration was in bad faith (Section 10.10(b)).
Revocation
Non-use
The Director General can revoke for non-use (Section 10.10(e)).
Madrid
International
The Act also covers international registrations under the Madrid system (Section 10.34).
Renewal
Surcharge
A 6-month grace period applies with a surcharge (Section 10.9).
Non-use and cancellation of a Liberian trademark
Any interested person can ask the Director General to invalidate a registration. A request based on prior third-party rights cannot be filed after 5 years from registration unless the mark was registered in bad faith. The Director General can revoke a mark for non-use for 3 years (Section 10.10).
Keep dated proof of use in Liberia: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Liberia
Search the LIPO register and publications for publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Liberia Intellectual Property Act, 2016, English text on WIPO Lex: Sections 10.5, 10.6, 10.9 and 10.10.
- LIPO for the Regulations, fees and forms.
Liberia trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Liberia, and from when?
10 years from the date of registration, renewable for consecutive periods of 10 years (Section 10.9). It counts from the date of registration (Section 10.9).
When should I renew a Liberian trademark, and is there a grace period?
Renew for further consecutive periods of 10 years on meeting the prescribed requirements and paying the renewal fee (Section 10.9(b)).
What is the opposition period in Liberia?
After publication, any interested person can file a notice of opposition with the Director General within the prescribed period, stating the grounds. The Director General notifies the applicant, who has three months to reply (Section 10.6).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Liberia?
The official fee is set by the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Liberia?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Liberia, normally through a local agent. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Liberian trademark?
Transfers and licences of a registered mark should be recorded with LIPO. We confirm the formalities under the Regulations.
Can a Liberian trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The Director General may revoke a registration if, within three years after the registration procedure was completed, the mark was not genuinely used in Liberia without justified reasons, or if use has been suspended for an uninterrupted three years (Section 10.10(e)).
How can I check the status of a Liberian trademark?
Use the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
The period of priority is six months, counted from the filing date of the first application, excluding the filing day (Section 10.5).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Liberia
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Liberian deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
