Practice Area 06
IP Enforcement & Anti-Counterfeiting
Registration without enforcement is an open invitation to infringement. We pursue infringers through every available channel — civil, criminal, regulatory and online.
What We Do
- ▸Cease-and-desist letters — rapid, effective, and calculated in tone
- ▸Civil infringement actions before the High Court of Tanzania
- ▸Applications for injunctions, damages and account of profits
- ▸Criminal prosecution referrals under the Merchandise Marks Act
- ▸FCC border enforcement — seizure and destruction of counterfeit imports
- ▸Online infringement takedowns — platforms, social media, e-commerce
- ▸IP dispute mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- ▸Seizure and delivery-up of infringing goods
- ▸Parallel import advisory and grey market control
The Legal Framework
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, without the consent of the registered proprietor.
The Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks may, in respect of goods imported into Tanzania, detain any goods bearing a trademark which has not been recorded in accordance with this section. Goods so detained shall be subject to forfeiture.
Since December 2025, brand owners must complete FCC trademark recordation before they can invoke border enforcement. Without recordation, even a BRELA-registered mark cannot trigger border seizure of counterfeit imports.
Key Facts
Civil Court: Injunction + damages + costs
Criminal: Prosecution under Merchandise Marks Act
Border: FCC seizure of imports (requires recordation)
ADR: Mediation for commercial disputes
Online: Platform takedowns and UDRP
Act Quickly
Delay in enforcement can weaken your case and allow infringers to establish market presence. We move rapidly when needed — including emergency injunctions.
Infringement Response
Don’t Wait. Pursue Infringers Now.
Every day of delay allows infringers to build market presence. We act fast.