Trademark Registration in Zanzibar

Protect Your Brand in Zanzibar with GERPAT Solutions

Trademark registration in Zanzibar is a separate intellectual property registration process from trademark registration on Mainland Tanzania. Businesses that register their trademarks through the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) on Mainland Tanzania should not assume that the same registration automatically provides 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) through its Industrial Property Office.

Whether you are a local business, foreign investor, manufacturer, importer, hotel operator, distributor or international brand owner, registering your trademark in Zanzibar is an important step towards protecting your business identity and commercial reputation.

GERPAT Solutions assists businesses and international brand owners with trademark searches, application preparation, filing coordination, examination follow-up, registration, renewals and intellectual property advisory in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Contact GERPAT Solutions: info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz

1. Trademark Protection in Zanzibar

A trademark is a distinctive sign used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another.

Under the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, a mark may consist of:

• Business names and brand names.
• Words and personal names.
• Logos and designs.
• Letters and numbers.
• Colours or combinations of colours.
• Shapes of goods or their packaging.
• Slogans and other distinctive signs.
• Other signs capable of distinguishing goods or services.

The Act recognises both trademarks for goods and service marks for services.

Trademark registration gives the registered owner the exclusive right to prevent unauthorised commercial use of identical or confusingly similar signs for the relevant goods or services, subject to the provisions of the Act.

For businesses operating in Zanzibar, registration helps establish and protect valuable brand rights.

2. Which Authority Handles Trademark Registration in Zanzibar?

Trademark registration in Zanzibar is administered by the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (BPRA).

BPRA is responsible for business and property registration services, including the administration of industrial property rights.

Its Industrial Property Office handles matters relating to:

• Trademark registration.
• Service mark registration.
• Trademark renewals.
• Trademark opposition proceedings.
• Changes in trademark ownership.
• Amendments and corrections.
• Industrial designs.
• Patents and utility models.
• Geographical indications.

The prescribed trademark application is Form No. 13, while Form No. 25 is used for appointment of an agent where applicable.

3. Difference Between Trademark Registration in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania

Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania have separate trademark registration systems. Businesses seeking protection in both jurisdictions should assess and arrange protection under the relevant registration systems.

Feature	Zanzibar	Mainland Tanzania
Registration authority	BPRA	BRELA
Governing legislation	Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, 2008	Trade and Service Marks Act, Cap. 326
Trademark registry	Zanzibar Industrial Property Office	BRELA
Filing procedure	BPRA prescribed application procedure	BRELA prescribed application procedure
Initial protection period	10 years	7 years
Subsequent renewal period	7 years	10 years
Goods and service marks	Registrable	Registrable
International classification	Nice Classification	Nice Classification

Important: A trademark registered through BRELA should not be assumed to be automatically registered in Zanzibar. Businesses requiring protection in both jurisdictions should consider filing separate applications with the respective authorities.

4. Requirements for Trademark Registration in Zanzibar

Before submitting a trademark application to BPRA, the applicant should prepare the required information and supporting documents.

The principal filing requirements include:

1. Representation of the Trademark

A clear representation of the proposed trademark must be submitted. This may include:

• A word mark.
• A logo.
• A combined word and device mark.
• Other eligible distinctive signs.

Where the mark contains a logo or special design, a clear reproduction should be provided.

1. Applicant Information

The applicant must provide the relevant details, including:

• Full name of the applicant.
• Physical or registered address.
• Nationality or country of incorporation.
• Relevant business or company details.

1. Goods and Services Classification

The goods or services for which protection is requested must be identified and classified according to the Nice Classification.

The selection of the correct class is important because trademark protection is connected to the goods and services covered by the registration.

1. Power of Attorney

Where an agent is appointed, BPRA provides for the use of Form No. 25, Appointment of Agent.

Applicants whose ordinary residence or principal place of business is outside Zanzibar must be represented by a legal practitioner resident or certified to practise in Zanzibar, in accordance with section 114 of the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, 2008.

The applicable execution and filing requirements should be confirmed before submission.

1. Priority Documents

Where the applicant claims priority from an earlier trademark application filed in another eligible country, the relevant priority information and supporting certified documents may be required.

Under section 47(2) of the Act, the priority period for trademarks is six months from the earlier application.

5. Trademark Registration Procedure in Zanzibar

Trademark registration in Zanzibar generally involves the following stages:

Step 1: Trademark Search

A trademark search is recommended before filing.

The purpose is to identify existing registrations or earlier applications that may conflict with the proposed trademark.

A search can help identify potential risks, including:

• Identical existing trademarks.
• Similar brand names.
• Confusingly similar logos.
• Conflicts involving related goods or services.
• Potential objections based on lack of distinctiveness.

A search does not guarantee acceptance, but it can help the applicant make a better-informed filing decision.

Step 2: Application Preparation

The application is prepared using the prescribed BPRA application form.

The applicant’s details, trademark representation, goods and services classification and other supporting information must be checked for accuracy.

Step 3: Filing with BPRA

The completed application and required supporting documents are submitted to BPRA, together with the applicable official application fee.

The applicant should retain the filing acknowledgement and relevant payment records.

Step 4: Examination by the Registrar

BPRA examines the application to determine whether it satisfies the applicable formal and substantive requirements.

The Registrar considers whether the mark is eligible for registration under the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, 2008.

A trademark may face objections where, for example:

• It lacks distinctive character.
• It is identical or confusingly similar to an earlier registered mark.
• It is misleading or likely to deceive the public.
• It conflicts with a well-known trademark.
• It is contrary to public order or morality.
• It has been filed in bad faith.

Where an objection or examination query is raised, the applicant may need to provide clarification, supporting information or a response.

Step 5: Publication and Opposition

Where the application satisfies the examination requirements, the accepted trademark is published in accordance with the applicable procedure.

Publication provides an opportunity for interested parties to oppose registration on legally recognised grounds.

The opposition process is governed by the Act and applicable regulations. Where an opposition is filed, the applicant may be required to submit a counter-statement and participate in the subsequent proceedings.

An opposition can extend the time required to complete registration.

Step 6: Registration and Certificate Issuance

Where no opposition is filed within the applicable period, or an opposition is decided in the applicant’s favour, the Registrar proceeds with registration.

BPRA then records the trademark and issues a Certificate of Registration in accordance with the Act.

The certificate provides evidence of the registered trademark rights in Zanzibar.

6. How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Zanzibar?

The time required to register a trademark depends on several factors, including:

• The completeness of the application.
• The Registry’s examination workload.
• Whether the mark attracts an objection.
• Publication and opposition procedures.
• Whether additional documents or clarification are required.

A straightforward application may proceed more quickly than one involving examination objections or opposition proceedings.

GERPAT Solutions assists applicants with document preparation, submission coordination, and follow-up with the relevant Registry.

For an accurate expected timeline, the status and circumstances of the individual application should be assessed rather than relying on a guaranteed processing period.

7. Trademark Registration Fees in Zanzibar

Trademark registration in Zanzibar involves official fees payable to BPRA at the relevant stages of the application.

BPRA’s published industrial property fee information lists the following trademark charges:

Service	Published official fee
Application for registration	TZS 150,000
Publication	TZS 30,000
Registration	TZS 100,000
Renewal	TZS 80,000

These are published official fee figures, not a guaranteed final quotation. BPRA announced revised industrial property fees effective from 11 August 2025, and applicants should confirm the applicable current charges and any additional fee items directly with the Registry before filing.

Professional fees for trademark searches, application preparation, filing coordination, examination follow-up and other advisory services are separate from government fees.

GERPAT Solutions provides quotations that distinguish official government charges from professional service fees.

8. Validity and Renewal of a Trademark in Zanzibar

Under section 49(7) of the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, 2008:

• Initial trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
• Registration may be renewed for successive periods of 7 years.
• A six-month grace period is available for late renewal upon payment of the prescribed surcharge.
• A trademark that lapses after the applicable grace period cannot be restored under the provision.

Trademark owners should monitor their registration expiry dates and arrange renewal within the prescribed period to avoid losing protection.

9. Why Trademark Registration Is Important for Businesses in Zanzibar

Trademark registration is an important part of protecting a business’s intellectual property and commercial identity.

It can help businesses:

1. Protect Brand Identity: Establish registered rights in a distinctive business name, logo or brand.
2. Prevent Unauthorised Use: Provide legal grounds to challenge unauthorised use of identical or confusingly similar marks.
3. Strengthen Market Position: Help distinguish products and services from competitors.
4. Support Business Expansion: Protect brands used in distribution, franchising, licensing and commercial partnerships.
5. Build Commercial Value: Make intellectual property an identifiable business asset.
6. Support International Business: Help foreign businesses protect their brands when entering the Zanzibar market.

Businesses should consider trademark protection before launching a new product, appointing distributors or expanding into Zanzibar.

10. Trademark Protection in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania

Businesses operating across Tanzania should understand the separate intellectual property registration systems.

For example, a foreign manufacturer selling products through distributors in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar may need to assess trademark protection under both the BRELA and BPRA systems.

Similarly, a hotel brand, restaurant chain, retail business or service provider operating in Zanzibar should consider whether its existing Mainland trademark registration provides sufficient protection for its commercial activities in Zanzibar.

GERPAT Solutions assists businesses with trademark registration coordination in both jurisdictions, helping brand owners identify the appropriate filing route and protection strategy.

11. How GERPAT Solutions Can Help

GERPAT Solutions Limited provides intellectual property and business advisory support to local and international businesses seeking trademark protection in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Our trademark-related services include:

• Trademark availability searches.
• Trademark registration applications.
• Word mark and logo registration.
• Goods and services classification.
• Application documentation and filing coordination.
• Examination and objection follow-up.
• Trademark opposition and related procedural coordination.
• Trademark renewal.
• Changes in ownership and recordal support.
• Brand protection and intellectual property advisory.

We help clients understand the registration requirements, prepare the necessary documentation and coordinate the relevant procedures with the appropriate intellectual property authorities and qualified local representatives.

Protect your brand before entering the Zanzibar market.

Contact GERPAT Solutions for assistance with trademark searches, registration, renewals and brand protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration in Zanzibar

1. Is trademark registration in Zanzibar separate from Mainland Tanzania?

Yes. Zanzibar has its own trademark registration framework under the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, 2008. Trademark matters are administered by BPRA, while Mainland trademark registration is handled by BRELA.

2. How long is a trademark valid in Zanzibar?

A trademark is initially registered for ten years from the filing date. It may subsequently be renewed for consecutive periods of seven years.

3. Can a foreign company register a trademark in Zanzibar?

Yes. Foreign companies can apply for trademark registration in Zanzibar. Applicants whose ordinary residence or principal place of business is outside Zanzibar must be represented by a legal practitioner resident or certified to practise in Zanzibar, in accordance with section 114 of the Act.

4. Can I register a logo and a business name as trademarks?

Yes. Eligible word marks, logos and combined marks may be registered, subject to the applicable distinctiveness and registrability requirements.

5. Is a trademark search compulsory before filing?

A search is recommended because it can identify earlier marks that may create conflicts. However, a search does not guarantee that the Registrar will accept the application.

6. Can I register a trademark for services in Zanzibar?

Yes. The Zanzibar Industrial Property Act recognises service marks as well as trademarks for goods.

7. What happens if another business opposes my trademark?

The applicant may be required to submit a counter-statement and participate in the opposition proceedings. The Registrar considers the relevant submissions and evidence before deciding whether the trademark should proceed to registration.

8. Can I renew my trademark after it expires?

The Act provides a six-month grace period for late renewal upon payment of the prescribed surcharge. If the mark lapses after that period, the Act does not provide for its restoration.

9. Does GERPAT Solutions assist with trademark registration in both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania?

Yes. GERPAT Solutions provides trademark registration coordination, searches, renewals and intellectual property advisory services covering Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Protect Your Brand in Zanzibar

Your brand is one of your business’s most valuable commercial assets. Registering it in the appropriate jurisdiction helps establish protection and reduce the risk of disputes arising from unauthorised use.

GERPAT Solutions assists local and international businesses with trademark registration, intellectual property coordination and brand protection in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Should you require assistance, kindly reach out to our team directly at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, Mob: +255 742 816 955

GERPAT Solutions – Intellectual Property | Company Formation | Licensing | Corporate Compliance

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Trademark applications are subject to examination and approval by the relevant authority. Official fees, forms, and administrative procedures may change. Applicants should confirm current requirements before filing.