The short answer
A Ugandan trademark is registered for 7 years and then renewable every 10 years. The mark is registered from the date of the application, and that date is taken as the date of registration. A mark can be removed if there was no bona fide use for 3 years or more. An applicant who does not reside or carry on business in Uganda must give an address for service in Uganda.
Trademark deadlines in Uganda at a glance
These rules come from the Trademarks Act, 2010 (Chapter 225 of the revised laws of Uganda), in the English text on WIPO Lex. The Trademarks Regulations, 2012 set the detailed time limits and fees, so we confirm them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 7 years, then renewable every 10 years on payment of the prescribed fee (section 21(1)). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The date of the application. The trademark, when registered, is registered from the date of the application, and that date is taken to be the date of registration (registration section). |
| When can I renew? | Apply within the prescribed period. The registrar sends a notice before the initial registration expires, with the renewal conditions and fees (sections 21 and 22). |
| Is there a grace period? | If the conditions are not met at expiry, the registrar may remove the mark, subject to the conditions for restoration set by the Regulations (section 22(2)). |
| Opposition period | Set by the Trademarks Regulations, 2012. We confirm the current opposition period before we file or oppose. |
| Priority claim | Convention priority is available. We confirm the period and formalities in the Regulations at filing. |
| Non-use | A mark can be removed on application to the court by an aggrieved person, or to the registrar, if at least one month before the application a continuous period of 3 years or more passed during which there was no bona fide use for those goods or services (section 46(1)(b)). It can also be removed if it was registered without a bona fide intention to use it (section 46(1)(a)). |
| Assignment | Record the assignment with the registrar. For an assignment made without goodwill, apply within 6 months for directions on advertising it (assignment section). |
| Part A and Part B | Marks are registered in Part A or Part B of the register, and the rights differ (section 20 and following). |
Who can register a trademark in Uganda
Individuals and companies from any country can apply to the registrar at URSB. The mark is registered in Part A or Part B of the register after examination and advertisement.
Representation. An applicant or agent who does not reside or carry on business in Uganda must give the registrar an address for service in Uganda. The registrar can refuse to proceed until it is given (section 94).
Trademark registration process in Uganda
Search
- Search the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), with an address for service in Uganda.
- 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.
- Anyone can oppose within the period set by the Regulations. We confirm the current period before filing.
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) 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.
Uganda trademark validity and renewal
- The first registration lasts 7 years from the date of the application.
- After that the registration is renewable every 10 years.
- The registrar sends a reminder notice before the initial registration expires.
- If the renewal conditions are not met, the registrar may remove the mark.
The 7-year first term is short, so the first renewal comes early. Keep your address for service in Uganda current.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Ugandan trademark
Assignment
Transfer of a mark
Record it with the registrar. For an assignment without goodwill, apply within 6 months for directions on advertising it.
Licence
Licensing
The owner of a trademark may license another person to use it, and the Act has rules for permitted users.
Address
Address for service
Keep a valid address for service in Uganda (section 94).
Name or address
Change of the owner's details
Record the change so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address.
Non-use and cancellation of a Ugandan trademark
Under section 46, a registered trademark can be removed from the register for goods or services if it was registered without a bona fide intention to use it and has not been used, or if for a continuous period of 3 years or more there was no bona fide use. Keep dated proof of use.
Keep dated proof of use in Uganda: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Uganda
Search the URSB trademark register and check the advertisement, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Trademarks Act, 2010 (Chapter 225), English text on WIPO Lex: sections 21, 22, 46, 94 and the registration and assignment provisions.
- Trademarks Regulations, 2012 (S.I. No. 58 of 2012) on WIPO Lex and URSB for the periods, forms and fees.
Uganda trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Uganda, and from when?
7 years, then renewable every 10 years on payment of the prescribed fee (section 21(1)). It counts from the date of the application, which the Act takes to be the date of registration.
When should I renew a Ugandan trademark, and is there a grace period?
Apply within the prescribed period. The registrar sends a notice before the initial registration expires, with the renewal conditions and fees (sections 21 and 22).
What is the opposition period in Uganda?
Set by the Trademarks Regulations, 2012. We confirm the current opposition period before we file or oppose.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Uganda?
The official fee is set by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) 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 Uganda?
Yes, but an applicant who does not reside or carry on business in Uganda must give an address for service in Uganda (section 94).
Can I assign a Ugandan trademark?
Record the assignment with the registrar. For an assignment made without goodwill, apply within 6 months for directions on advertising it (assignment section).
Can a Ugandan trademark be cancelled for non-use?
A mark can be removed on application to the court by an aggrieved person, or to the registrar, if at least one month before the application a continuous period of 3 years or more passed during which there was no bona fide use for those goods or services (section 46(1)(b)). It can also be removed if it was registered without a bona fide intention to use it (section 46(1)(a)).
How can I check the status of a Ugandan trademark?
Use the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Convention priority is available. We confirm the period and formalities in the Regulations at filing.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Uganda
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Ugandan deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
