Trademark Registration in Zanzibar: Requirements, Process and Brand Protection
By GERPAT Solutions | Intellectual Property, Business Formation and Corporate Compliance in Tanzania & Zanzibar
Protecting a trademark is an important step for businesses seeking to establish and safeguard their brand in Zanzibar. Whether a company operates in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, distribution, or professional services, trademark registration can help protect the identity associated with its products and services.
However, businesses should understand that trademark registration in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar operates under separate legal frameworks. A registration obtained through the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) in Mainland Tanzania should not automatically be treated as providing equivalent registered trademark protection in Zanzibar.
Trademark registration in Zanzibar is governed by the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, No. 4 of 2008, and administered by the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (BPRA). Businesses seeking protection in both jurisdictions should assess their filing requirements separately.https://www.bpra.go.tz/bpra-acts/
Key Highlights
- Separate registration systems: Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania have distinct trademark registration frameworks.
- Responsible authority: BPRA administers trademark registration in Zanzibar.
- Trademark searches: A search can help identify potentially conflicting marks before an application is filed.
- Application requirements: Applicants generally need mark representations, applicant details, a specification of goods or services, and prescribed forms.
- Opposition: Third parties may challenge an accepted application within the applicable statutory period.
- Brand protection strategy: Businesses operating across Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania should assess protection in each relevant jurisdiction.
- Understanding Trademark Registration in Zanzibar
A trademark is a distinctive sign used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. It may consist of a word, name, logo, device or another registrable sign permitted under the applicable law.
Registering a trademark can strengthen a business’s ability to protect its brand against confusingly similar marks and support commercial activities such as licensing, distribution and franchising.
In Zanzibar, trademark applications are handled under the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, No. 4 of 2008.
The principal authority is BPRA, which provides industrial property registration services, including trade and service marks. Its published requirements include Application Form No. 13, applicant particulars, representations of the mark, and a list of goods or services classified according to the Nice Classification.
- Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania: Key Differences
Trademark protection should be considered according to the territory in which the business needs to enforce its rights.
| Feature | Zanzibar | Mainland Tanzania |
| Main legislation | Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, No. 4 of 2008 | Trade and Service Marks Act, Cap. 326, R.E. 2023 |
| Registration authority | BPRA | BRELA |
| Application process | Follow BPRA’s applicable filing procedures | Follow BRELA’s applicable filing procedures |
| Trademark classification | Nice Classification | Nice Classification |
| Opposition | Subject to Zanzibar’s applicable statutory procedures | Subject to Mainland Tanzania’s applicable statutory procedures |
| Renewal | Governed by Zanzibar’s legislation | Governed by Mainland Tanzania’s legislation |
The initial registration term and renewal requirements should be confirmed under the legislation applicable to the relevant application. Mainland Tanzania’s Trade and Service Marks Act provides for an initial registration period of seven years, followed by renewable periods of ten years, subject to the statutory conditions.https://oagmis.oag.go.tz/portal/acts/revised/429/download
Businesses should not assume that a filing, certificate, or renewal in one jurisdiction automatically completes the corresponding process in the other.
- The Trademark Registration Process in Zanzibar
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing an application, it is advisable to search for existing marks that may conflict with the proposed trademark.
A search can help identify identical or similar marks in relevant goods or services categories. It may also reveal potential obstacles that need to be assessed before investing in branding, packaging or marketing.
A search reduces uncertainty but does not guarantee that an application will be accepted.
Step 2: Identify the Applicant and Goods or Services
The application should identify the correct trademark owner. The applicant may be an individual or a company, depending on the circumstances.
The goods and services should be described accurately and assigned to the appropriate classes under the Nice Classification.
Selecting suitable classes is important because the intended scope of protection depends on the mark and the goods or services covered by the registration.
Step 3: Prepare the Application
BPRA’s published requirements for trade and service marks include:
- Application Form No. 13.
- The applicant’s full name and address.
- Particulars of an agent or representative, where applicable.
- Power of attorney using Form No. 25, where applicable.
- Three reproductions of the trademark or service mark.
- A list of goods or services according to the Nice Classification.
- Certified priority documents, where applicable.
- A duly signed application form.
Additional information or documentation may be required depending on the circumstances of the application. Applicants should confirm the current requirements with BPRA before submission. “https://www.bpra.go.tz/services/intellectual-property-ip-registration/ip-forms/
Step 4: Submit the Application to BPRA
The completed application should be submitted through the filing channel accepted by BPRA for the relevant application.
Applicants should confirm the current submission method, required supporting documents, and official fees before filing. They should also retain the application reference and evidence of payment.
Step 5: Examination by the Registrar
The Registrar examines the application under the applicable law and regulations.
Issues that may affect registrability include whether the proposed mark is distinctive, whether it falls within a statutory ground for refusal, and whether it conflicts with existing rights.
Where objections arise, the applicant may need to respond, provide clarification or amend the application as permitted by the applicable rules.
Step 6: Publication and Opposition
Where an application is accepted, it proceeds to publication under the prescribed procedure.
Interested third parties may oppose registration on applicable grounds within the relevant statutory period. BPRA’s published trademark notices refer to an opposition period of two months from publication. Applicants should confirm the deadline and procedure stated in the applicable notice. “https://www.bpra.go.tz/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BPRA-JOURNAL-FOR-OCTOBER-2025.pdf
If an opposition is filed, the parties may be required to submit the prescribed documents and evidence. The Registrar determines the matter according to the applicable procedure.
Step 7: Registration and Certificate
Where the application satisfies the requirements, and no opposition prevents registration, the process can proceed to registration upon payment of the applicable fee.
The applicant should retain the registration certificate and maintain accurate records of ownership, relevant goods or services, renewal dates, and any subsequent changes.
- Documents Required for Trademark Registration
The precise documentation depends on the application and the applicant’s circumstances. The principal items to prepare include:
Trademark representation: A clear representation of the word mark, logo, or other sign to be registered.
Applicant details: The full legal name and address of the individual or company applying for registration.
Goods and services specification: A description of the relevant goods or services using the appropriate Nice Classification.
Application form: The prescribed BPRA application form, currently identified in its published guidance as Form No. 13.
Power of attorney: Form No. 25 may be required where an agent is appointed. Applicants should confirm the applicable execution and filing requirements.
Priority documents: Certified copies may be necessary where the applicant claims priority from an earlier application.
Supporting documentation: Any additional documents requested by the Registrar for the particular application.
Preparing accurate information before filing can help reduce administrative delays and inconsistencies.
- Trademark Registration Fees in Zanzibar
Trademark registration generally involves prescribed official fees at different stages of the process.
BPRA’s published industrial property fee schedule lists the following trademark charges:
| Service | Published fee |
| Application for registration | TZS 150,000 |
| Publication | TZS 30,000 |
| Registration | TZS 100,000 |
| Renewal | TZS 80,000 |
These figures are taken from BPRA’s published fee information and should be reconfirmed with the agency before filing, as official fees and administrative requirements may change. Additional professional fees may apply where an agent assists with searches, applications, correspondence or opposition proceedings.
For budgeting purposes, businesses should distinguish official government charges from professional service fees and any additional costs arising from objections or opposition proceedings.
- Why Zanzibar Trademark Registration Matters
Protecting the Brand in the Relevant Market
A registration in Zanzibar can provide important protection for businesses selling products or providing services in that jurisdiction, subject to the scope and conditions of the registered rights.
Reducing the Risk of Brand Conflicts
Searching and registering a mark can help businesses identify potential conflicts earlier and establish a clearer basis for protecting their commercial identity.
Supporting Business Expansion
Trademark rights can be relevant when a company expands through distributors, franchisees, licensees or commercial partners.
Protecting Brand Investment
Businesses may invest significantly in product packaging, advertising, digital marketing and customer recognition. Appropriate trademark protection can support efforts to preserve that investment.
Supporting Cross-Jurisdictional Protection
Businesses operating in both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania should determine which registrations are necessary to protect their marks in their intended markets.
A dual-jurisdiction filing strategy may be appropriate where both territories are commercially important, but the scope of protection required should be assessed for each brand and business.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Businesses applying for trademark registration should take care to avoid the following mistakes:
- Assuming a Mainland Tanzania trademark registration automatically provides equivalent registered protection in Zanzibar.
- Choosing goods or services classes without considering the actual products or services offered.
- Filing a mark without first checking for potentially conflicting registrations.
- Using an incorrect legal name or applicant address.
- Failing to prepare the required power of attorney or other supporting documents.
- Missing deadlines for responding to examination objections or opposition notices.
- Failing to track renewal dates or update ownership records when changes occur.
A carefully prepared application and a reliable recordkeeping system can help reduce these risks.
- How GERPAT Solutions Can Assist
GERPAT Solutions provides intellectual property coordination, business formation, licensing, and corporate compliance support for local and international businesses operating in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Our trademark-related support may include:
- Coordinating trademark searches.
- Assessing the relevant filing jurisdictions and classes.
- Assisting with the preparation of application information and supporting documents.
- Coordinating trademark filings with the relevant registration authority.
- Monitoring application progress and relevant procedural deadlines.
- Supporting trademark renewal and recordkeeping coordination.
- Coordinating responses to objections or opposition proceedings with appropriate professionals where required.
The recommended filing strategy depends on the trademark, the goods and services involved, the applicant’s ownership arrangements and the territories where protection is required.
Conclusion
Trademark registration in Zanzibar is an important consideration for businesses seeking to protect their brands in the islands. The process is administered by BPRA under Zanzibar’s industrial property framework and involves application preparation, examination, publication and registration.
Businesses operating across Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania should assess their trademark requirements separately rather than assuming that registration in one jurisdiction automatically covers the other.
By selecting appropriate classes, preparing accurate documents and tracking procedural deadlines, businesses can establish a stronger foundation for protecting their intellectual property.
Need assistance with trademark registration in Zanzibar or Mainland Tanzania?
GERPAT Solutions can help coordinate trademark searches, filing documentation, and intellectual property compliance.
Write to us at info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz or through +255 742 826 955.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Trademark requirements, official fees, and procedures may change. Applicants should confirm current requirements with BPRA or the relevant authority before filing.