The short answer
Under Law No. 055/2024 of 20 June 2024 on the Protection of Intellectual Property, a registered mark is protected for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for periods of 10 years, with a 6-month grace period to pay the renewal fee. Opposition must be filed within 60 days of publication, and a mark unused for 3 consecutive years from registration can be removed.
Trademark deadlines in Rwanda at a glance
These rules come from Law No. 055/2024 of 20 June 2024 on the Protection of Intellectual Property, in the English text on WIPO Lex. Fees and forms are set by the competent authority, so we confirm them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for consecutive periods of 10 years (Article 206). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date of the application for registration (Article 206(1)). |
| When can I renew? | The owner requests renewal for consecutive 10-year periods and pays the prescribed fee (Article 206(2)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. A 6-month grace period is granted for paying the renewal fee after the payment deadline (Article 206(3)). |
| Opposition period | An interested person can oppose by filing the prescribed form within 60 days of publication of the application, on grounds such as lack of distinctiveness, imitation, likelihood of confusion or descriptiveness. The authority publishes the accepted application in the Official Gazette within 30 days of examination (Articles 193 and 194). |
| Reply to an office action | The competent authority examines the application and gives the applicant a chance to respond. A decision on opposition can be appealed under Article 196. |
| Priority claim | Priority under the Paris Convention is available. We confirm the claim procedure when we file. |
| Non-use | The competent authority can inform the owner that the mark will be removed from the register if it has not been used by the owner or a licensee for at least three consecutive years from registration. The owner has 30 days from notification to give reasons that prevented use, and legitimate reasons stop the removal (Article 204). |
| Assignment | A mark can be assigned, and the assignment is recorded under the procedure in Article 207. A refusal to record an assignment contract is covered in Article 208, and a licence in Article 209. |
Who can register a trademark in Rwanda
An applicant files with the competent authority, which examines the application, publishes it and registers the mark if there is no successful opposition (Articles 190 to 199).
Representation. We act as your agent before the Rwandan authority. We confirm any local representation rule before filing.
Trademark registration process in Rwanda
Search
- Search the the Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services), through your Rwandan 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 examination the accepted application is published in the Official Gazette within 30 days, and an interested person can oppose within 60 days of publication (Articles 193 and 194).
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 Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services) 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.
Rwanda trademark validity and renewal
- A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date.
- Renew indefinitely for 10-year periods on payment of the fee.
- A 6-month grace period applies for the renewal fee.
- Use the mark to avoid removal after 3 consecutive years of non-use.
Diarise the expiry from the filing date and pay the renewal fee before the deadline.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Rwandan trademark
Assignment
Recorded
Assignment procedures are in Article 207.
Licence
Contractual
Marks can be licensed by contract (Article 209).
Invalidation
Grounds
Invalidation of a registration and its effects are in Articles 200 and 201.
Rights
Civil action
The owner can bring civil proceedings against infringement (Article 203).
Non-use and cancellation of a Rwandan trademark
A registration can be invalidated on the grounds in the Law (Articles 200 and 201). A mark can be removed for 3 consecutive years of non-use unless the owner gives legitimate reasons within 30 days of notification (Article 204).
Keep dated proof of use in Rwanda: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Rwanda
Search the Rwandan register of marks and the Official Gazette for publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Law No. 055/2024 of 20/06/2024 on the Protection of Intellectual Property (Rwanda), English text on WIPO Lex: Articles 193, 194, 196, 200 to 209.
- The competent authority for fees, forms and the current procedure.
Rwanda trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Rwanda, and from when?
10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for consecutive periods of 10 years (Article 206). It counts from the filing date (Article 206).
When should I renew a Rwandan trademark, and is there a grace period?
The owner requests renewal for consecutive 10-year periods and pays the prescribed fee (Article 206(2)).
What is the opposition period in Rwanda?
An interested person can oppose by filing the prescribed form within 60 days of publication of the application, on grounds such as lack of distinctiveness, imitation, likelihood of confusion or descriptiveness. The authority publishes the accepted application in the Official Gazette within 30 days of examination (Articles 193 and 194).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Rwanda?
The official fee is set by the the Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services) 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 Rwanda?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Rwanda. We arrange the filing through a local agent.
Can I assign a Rwandan trademark?
A mark can be assigned, and the assignment is recorded under the procedure in Article 207. A refusal to record an assignment contract is covered in Article 208, and a licence in Article 209.
Can a Rwandan trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The competent authority can inform the owner that the mark will be removed from the register if it has not been used by the owner or a licensee for at least three consecutive years from registration. The owner has 30 days from notification to give reasons that prevented use, and legitimate reasons stop the removal (Article 204).
How can I check the status of a Rwandan trademark?
Use the the Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Priority under the Paris Convention is available. We confirm the claim procedure when we file.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Rwanda Intellectual Property authority (Rwanda Development Board, Registration Services) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Rwanda
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Rwandan deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
