If you are wondering how to register a trademark in Tanzania, protecting your brand doesn’t have to feel like navigating a legal maze. When you strip away the heavy legalese, it’s a direct, online process managed by BRELA (the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency) under the Trade and Service Marks Act [Cap. 326 R.E. 2023].
Here is exactly what you need to do to get your business name, logo, or slogan locked down without the headaches.
1. Three Rules You Need to Know First
Before you jump onto the online portal, keep these three quirks of the Tanzanian system in mind:
-
Zanzibar is separate: A common trap is thinking one registration covers the whole country. It doesn’t. Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have completely separate trademark systems. Registering with BRELA covers you only on the Mainland.
-
One class per application: Tanzania uses the standard international system to categorize businesses (Classes 1–34 for products, 35–45 for services). However, BRELA runs on a “single-class” rule. If you sell both clothing (Class 25) and retail services (Class 35), you have to file two separate applications and pay separate fees for each.
-
Foreign businesses need a local partner: If your company is based outside Tanzania, you can’t file directly. You legally must hire a registered, local Intellectual Property (IP) agent living and practicing in Tanzania to submit it for you.
2. The Step-by-Step Roadmap
The entire process happens online via the BRELA Online Registration System (ORS). Here is the general flow of how it unfolds:
| Stage | What Happens | Realistic Timeline |
| 1. The Search | Highly recommended. You check the BRELA database to make sure no one else has already registered a name or logo too similar to yours. | 1 to 3 days |
| 2. The Filing | You officially submit your application online. The day you hit submit sets your “priority date” (your place in line). | 1 day |
| 3. The Review | BRELA examiners review your application to ensure it’s unique, legal, and doesn’t conflict with an existing brand. | Varies (usually a few months) |
| 4. The Journal | If BRELA approves your mark, they publish it in their official public journal. This starts a public countdown. | 60 days |
| 5. The Waiting Window | During these 60 days, any competitor who feels your trademark steps on their toes can file a formal objection. | 60 days (longer if contested) |
| 6. The Certificate | If no one objects (or you win the dispute), you pay a final fee, and BRELA issues your official Certificate of Registration. | Final Step |
3. Your Filing Checklist
To get your application through the system, you’ll need to pull together a few specific items:
-
Your Branding: A crisp, digital image (JPEG or PNG) of your logo, or the exact text of your word mark.
-
Your Details: Full company name, physical address, nationality (or country of incorporation), and a quick description of your business.
-
Your Scope: A clear list of the specific goods or services you want to protect under your chosen classes.
-
Power of Attorney (Form TM/SM 1): If you are using a local agent, you’ll need to sign this form. The good news? It just needs a standard signature—no fancy notarization required.
-
Translations: If your brand name is in a language other than English or Swahili, you’ll need to provide a certified English translation and pronunciation guide.
4. The Budget & Shelf Life
Government fees can change, but here is a realistic baseline of the official costs (per class) and how long your protection lasts:
-
Trademark Search: ~TZS 15,000 to TZS 20,000
-
Filing Application: ~TZS 65,000
-
Final Registration Fee: ~TZS 60,000
How long does it last? Once approved, your trademark is legally yours for 7 years from the date you first filed. After that, you can renew it every 10 years indefinitely. Just make sure to file your renewal before the clock runs out!
5. Thinking Bigger? A Quick Note on International Scope
If you are planning to expand your brand globally, keep in mind that Tanzania is not part of the Madrid Protocol (the international system that lets you register a trademark in dozens of countries at once). To protect your brand in Tanzania, you have to apply directly through their local system—there is no international shortcut.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal or financial advice. While Gerpat Solutions makes every effort to ensure accuracy, regulations and BRELA fees are subject to change. For specific legal counsel regarding your brand, please consult a registered intellectual property agent or legal professional in Tanzania