Protecting your brand in Zanzibar requires proper registration and timely renewal of your trademark. Trademark protection in Zanzibar is governed by the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, which provides legal rights to trademark owners and ensures brand protection in the market.
Renewing your trademark on time is essential to maintain exclusive rights and prevent others from using your brand name or logo.
Trademark Validity Period in Zanzibar
Trademark registration in Zanzibar follows a unique renewal system compared with many other jurisdictions.
Initial Registration Period
- A trademark is valid for 10 years from the application date.
Subsequent Renewal Periods
- After the first 10 years, the trademark can be renewed indefinitely every 7 years.
This system allows brand owners to maintain trademark protection for an unlimited period, as long as renewals are filed on time.
When to Renew a Trademark in Zanzibar
Trademark owners should carefully monitor renewal deadlines.
Recommended Filing Time
- File the renewal at least 3 months before the expiry date.
Grace Period
- If the deadline is missed, the trademark can still be renewed within 6 months after expiration, but late renewal fees will apply.
Filing early helps avoid penalties and protects the trademark from possible cancellation.
Trademark Renewal Procedure in Zanzibar
Trademark renewals are handled by the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (BPRA) through the Zanzibar Industrial Property Office (ZIPO).
Documents Required for Renewal
To renew a trademark, the following documents are normally required:
- Signed Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing an IP agent
- Completed Trademark Renewal Application Form
- Copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate or previous renewal certificate
- Payment of official government fees
The renewal process typically takes about 1–2 weeks once the application is submitted.
Changes to Intellectual Property Fees in Zanzibar
Trademark owners should also be aware of the increase in official IP fees introduced in August 2025.
The new fee schedule was implemented by the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency and applies to several services, including:
- Trademark renewals
- Trademark registrations
- Recording of changes
- Other intellectual property filings
In many cases, the revised fees apply to applications or renewals where official fees were not paid before the new regulation came into effect.
Importance of Using Your Trademark
Renewing your trademark alone is not enough to maintain protection.
Under Zanzibar law, a trademark may become vulnerable to cancellation if it is not used for more than five years after registration.
To avoid cancellation, trademark owners should:
- Continue using the trademark in commerce
- Maintain evidence of use, such as invoices, advertisements, or packaging
Active use ensures your trademark remains legally protected.
Professional Trademark Services in Zanzibar
At Gerpat Solutions, we assist businesses and international brand owners with:
- Trademark registration in Zanzibar
- Trademark renewal services
- Intellectual property portfolio management
- Legal compliance with Tanzanian IP laws
Our experts help ensure your brand remains protected and compliant with local regulations.
Reach to out Team at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz , info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, +244 742 826 955