The short answer
Zambia's Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 is in force from late December 2025 (sources give 26 or 31 December). It replaces the 1958 law. Services can now be registered, well-known marks get statutory protection, and non-traditional marks and the Madrid Protocol are recognised.
Dec 2025
In force
1958
Old law replaced
Classes 35-45
Services now registrable
Madrid
Domesticated
What changed
- Service marks can be registered; services in classes 35 to 45 were not separately registrable before.
- Well-known marks: owners can oppose applications or seek an injunction.
- Non-traditional marks such as sounds, shapes, colours and packaging are recognised.
- The Madrid Protocol is domesticated, though sources say implementation is incomplete.
- New enforcement tools: civil remedies, criminal sanctions and border measures.
- Collective marks and geographical indications are covered.
Transition and caution
- The Registry is still updating its systems and the new Regulations were not yet published, so the old 1994 Regulations are read with the new Act.
- Marks registered under the old law remain valid until their existing expiry dates.
- Official fees are still per class.
Sources disagree on the exact start date (26 or 31 December 2025). Check with PACRA before relying on it.
Questions and answers
Can I register a service mark in Zambia now?
Yes, under the new Act.
Do my old registrations remain valid?
Yes, until their existing expiry dates.
Is Madrid fully working for Zambia?
The Act domesticates Madrid, but implementation was reported as incomplete.
Need protection in Zambia?
SUPREMEiP® files through local counsel and tracks the new Regulations.
#Zambia#Trademark#Africa
