The short answer
Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, a Zambian trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date. Renew in the 6 months before expiry, or apply for late renewal within 6 months after expiry with a surcharge. Anyone with an interest can oppose within 60 days of publication of acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal. A mark can be removed after 5 continuous years of non-use.
Trademark deadlines in Zambia at a glance
These rules come from the Trade Marks Act, 2023 (Act No. 11 of 2023), English text on WIPO Lex, which replaces the old Trade Marks Act (Cap. 401). Section 1 says the Act starts on a date appointed by the Minister, and a law-firm report says it came into force on 31 December 2025, so we confirm the commencement and the transitional rules before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the date of filing the application, renewable for 10 years (sections 43 and 44). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date. A registered mark is valid for ten years from the date of filing the application (section 43). The applicant's rights also begin on the filing date (section 8). |
| When can I renew? | Apply within the 6 months before the expiry date, on payment of the fee. The registrar may send a reminder, but the registration expires on the expiry date anyway (section 44(1) to (3)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. Late renewal can be requested within 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge. If you do not apply, the mark is removed 6 months after expiry, and restoration can be requested within 6 months of the removal (section 44(6) to (9)). |
| Opposition period | 60 days from the date of publication of the acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal, with evidence and the prescribed fee. The opponent must have an interest or right that would be prejudiced (section 19). |
| Reply to an office action | The applicant must complete the application within 12 months from the filing date (section 7). |
| Priority claim | A person who filed in a Convention country can claim priority within 6 months of that filing (section 14). |
| Non-use | The Registrar removes a mark, on application, if it has not been used by the proprietor or a licensee for a continuous period of 5 years or more, unless special circumstances prevented use. The proprietor has a chance to be heard first. |
| Assignment | Record the assignment with the Registrar so the register shows the new owner. Ask us for the current procedure and fee under the 2023 Act. |
Who can register a trademark in Zambia
Individuals and companies from any country can apply to the Registrar at PACRA. Rights in an application start on the filing date, and the application must be completed within 12 months.
Representation. Foreign owners normally act through a Zambian agent, and we confirm the current requirements before filing.
Trademark registration process in Zambia
Search
- Search the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), through your Zambian 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.
- Anyone with an interest can oppose within 60 days of publication in the Intellectual Property Journal (section 19).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) 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.
Zambia trademark validity and renewal
- The registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
- Apply for renewal in the 6 months before expiry.
- Late renewal is possible within 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge.
- If you miss both windows, the mark is removed 6 months after expiry, and you can ask for restoration within 6 months of removal.
Diarise the expiry date from the date stated on your certificate and renew early.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Zambian trademark
Assignment
Transfer of a mark
Record it with the Registrar so the register shows the new owner.
Licence
Licensing
Licensees can apply for renewal and ask to start infringement proceedings under the Act.
Restoration
Restoring a removed mark
Apply within 6 months of removal. The Registrar publishes the application in the Intellectual Property Journal within 30 days (section 44).
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 Zambian trademark
The Act allows the Registrar to remove a mark from the Register, on application and fee, for goods or services if it has not been used by the proprietor or a licensee for a continuous period of 5 years or more, if an entry wrongly remains on the Register, if there is an error or defect, or if the mark was fraudulently entered. The Registrar does not remove a mark if special circumstances prevented use, and gives the proprietor a hearing.
Keep dated proof of use in Zambia: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Zambia
Search the PACRA register and the Intellectual Property Journal. The 60-day opposition period runs from the publication of acceptance.
Sources used
- Trade Marks Act, 2023 (Act No. 11 of 2023), English text on WIPO Lex: sections 7, 8, 14, 19, 43 and 44 and the removal provision.
- PACRA for the register, forms and fees, and the Trade Marks Regulations. We also confirm the commencement of the 2023 Act and the transitional rules.
Zambia trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Zambia, and from when?
10 years from the date of filing the application, renewable for 10 years (sections 43 and 44). It counts from the filing date of the application (section 43).
When should I renew a Zambian trademark, and is there a grace period?
Apply within the 6 months before the expiry date, on payment of the fee. The registrar may send a reminder, but the registration expires on the expiry date anyway (section 44(1) to (3)).
What is the opposition period in Zambia?
60 days from the date of publication of the acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal, with evidence and the prescribed fee. The opponent must have an interest or right that would be prejudiced (section 19).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Zambia?
The official fee is set by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) 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 Zambia?
Yes. Foreign owners normally act through a Zambian agent. We confirm the current requirements before filing.
Can I assign a Zambian trademark?
Record the assignment with the Registrar so the register shows the new owner. Ask us for the current procedure and fee under the 2023 Act.
Can a Zambian trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The Registrar removes a mark, on application, if it has not been used by the proprietor or a licensee for a continuous period of 5 years or more, unless special circumstances prevented use. The proprietor has a chance to be heard first.
How can I check the status of a Zambian trademark?
Use the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
A person who filed in a Convention country can claim priority within 6 months of that filing (section 14).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Zambia
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Zambian deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
