Trademark Registration in Sierra Leone

Why and How to Register a Trademark in Sierra Leone

Trademark applications in Sierra Leone must be filed with the trademark section of the Administrator and Registrar-General's Department of Sierra Leone (OARG).

Sierra Leone 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.

If you register a combined trademark (which includes both word elements and figurative elements) in Sierra Leone, 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.

Opposition actions may be filed by interested third parties against a trademark application within a period of three (3) months following its publication in the trademarks journal. The probabilities of success for an opposition will vary in each case depending on the circumstances.

Although a trademark does not have to be in use in order for it to register, it must not go unused for more than five years after registration or it will become vulnerable to cancellation actions based on lack of use of the trademark.

Registered trademarks in Sierra Leone have a validity of fourteen (14) years and can be renewed indefinitely for further periods of fourteen (14) years.

If you would like for the figurative or design elements of your trademark to be considered when assessing your trademark for registration in Sierra Leone (Trademark Search Report), contact us directly in order to determine if we may be able to offer this in this jurisdiction. In such cases, prices for service and estimated delivery times may vary.