Practice Area 01
Trademark & Service Mark Protection
Your brand is your most commercially visible asset. A registered trademark is the legal foundation on which that value stands — and the weapon you need to defend it.
What We Do
- ▸Trademark availability and clearance searches across BRELA records
- ▸Filing applications with the Registrar of Trade & Service Marks (BRELA)
- ▸Advice on Nice Classification (45 classes) for full protection scope
- ▸Responding to examination objections and absolute/relative grounds refusals
- ▸Opposition proceedings — filing and defending oppositions
- ▸Cancellation proceedings for conflicting marks
- ▸Trademark watch services — monitoring new applications
- ▸Portfolio audits and renewal management (10-year terms)
- ▸Assignments and recorded transfers of ownership
- ▸Registered user (licence) recordation with BRELA
- ▸FCC mandatory trademark recordation for imported goods
- ▸ZIPO filing for Zanzibar coverage
The Legal Framework
A registered proprietor of a trade or service mark has the exclusive right to use the mark in Tanzania in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered and to obtain relief in respect of any infringement of that right.
A person infringes a registered trade mark if he uses in the course of trade a sign which is identical with, or likely to be mistaken for, the mark in relation to goods or services for which the mark is registered.
All trademarks on goods imported into Tanzania must be recorded with the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks. Non-compliance results in detention or seizure of goods at the border. In force from 1 December 2025.
ARIPO Trademark Registrations Are Not Enforceable in Tanzania
The Court of Appeal of Tanzania confirmed in Lakairo Industries Group Co. Ltd v. Kenafrica Industries Ltd, Civil Appeal No. 593 of 2022 (September 2025) that ARIPO marks under the Banjul Protocol are not enforceable on Tanzania Mainland. Direct BRELA registration is mandatory. If you rely on an ARIPO mark, contact us immediately.
Key Facts
Term: 10 years from filing, renewable indefinitely
Authority: BRELA — Registrar of Trade & Service Marks
Timeline: 12–24 months to registration
FCC Recordation: Required separately for imports
Zanzibar: Separate ZIPO filing required
Why Register?
Without a registered mark you cannot bring an infringement action, rely on border enforcement, or prove priority against a competing application. Registration also enables licensing, franchising, and assignment — turning your brand into a licensable revenue asset.
Ready to Register?
Protect Your Brand Today
The sooner you register, the stronger your priority position.