Trademark Registration in Sao Tome and Principe

Why and How to Register a Trademark in Sao Tome and Principe

Registering a trademark in Sao Tome and Principe may be done either through local or regional registration. Locally a trademark must be registered directly through the Industrial Property National Service (SENAPI) of Sao Tome and Principe.

Sao Tome and Principe is also a member of the African Regional Industrial Property Organization (ARIPO) and a party member to the Banjul Protocol. Therefore, one may also register a trademark for this country through ARIPO. The major benefits of registering a trademark through ARIPO and not locally is, firstly, that through ARIPO a trademark will be granted protection and recognition in the following 12 countries: Botswana, the Gambia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Eswatini, Uganda, Tanzania (mainland) and Zimbabwe; and secondly, that the trademark process is considerably quicker through ARIPO than it is if one opts for local registration through the Industrial Property National Service (SENAPI) of Sao Tome and Principe. For more information please visit our page on trademark services in ARIPO.

If you register a combined trademark (which includes both word elements and figurative elements) in Sao Tome and Principe, the exclusive right to use the trademark is limited to a use of the trademark in the exact configuration or way in which it was filed and registered. If you wish to use the word element of your trademark separately from the logo (or vice versa), it is recommended you register for another trademark including only the word or figurative elements you wish to use and protect separately.

Nevertheless, if a third party eventually intends to register or use a trademark for similar goods or services that includes a primary or distinct part or portion of your trademark, you will have the right to oppose the application based on confusing similarity. The probabilities of success for an opposition will vary in each case depending on the circumstances.

Sao Tome and Principe is also a member state  to the Madrid Protocol. Thus, the extension of an international registration of a trademark via the Madrid System is possible for this country. For further information regarding our services for trademark filing through the Madrid System click here.