Central African Republic Trademark Renewal

A trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date. It can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely through the OAPI system.

The OAPI timeline for renewal is:

• Up to 6 months before expiration: File a standard renewal.
• 6-month grace period after expiration: Renew with a late fee.
• After the grace period: The trademark automatically lapses and is no longer enforceable.

To complete a renewal under OAPI, you must provide:

• The trademark registration number
• A Power of Attorney, simply signed
• Payment of the standard renewal fee
• Late renewal fee, if within the grace period

Renewals are published in the OAPI official bulletin, ensuring your rights remain publicly recognized.

If a trademark lapses due to failure to renew, restoration is not allowed. The only option is to file a new application. Others may register the mark unless you can prove bad faith.

• Update agent or business address changes with OAPI.
• Track deadlines independently: OAPI does not send automatic reminders.
• Ensure your Power of Attorney is up to date, especially if you change legal representatives.

Avoid these errors:

• Failing to renew within the standard or grace periods
• Not updating representative information with OAPI
• Assuming national filings are allowed: all trademark actions go through OAPI

You have a 6-month grace period to renew with a late fee. After that, your trademark lapses permanently.

No. Lapsed trademarks under OAPI cannot be reinstated. You must file a new application, which will be subject to availability.

No. OAPI does not require evidence of use to process a renewal.

You must notify OAPI and update the records before submitting a renewal.