On 18 July 2025, the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (BPRA), through the Zanzibar Intellectual Property Office, officially announced a revision of government fees for Intellectual Property (IP) services in Zanzibar.
The revised fees were introduced under the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (Charges) Regulations, 2025, and will take effect from 11 August 2025.
This change is important for businesses, investors, brand owners, and intellectual property rights holders who intend to register or maintain IP rights in Zanzibar.
New Intellectual Property Fees in Zanzibar
The updated fee schedule will apply across the entire Intellectual Property system in Zanzibar, including:
- Trademark registration in Zanzibar
- Patent registration in Zanzibar
- Industrial design registration
- Layout design protection
- Geographical indication registration
These updates reflect the government’s effort to strengthen the IP protection framework in Zanzibar and Tanzania.
Applications Affected by the New Fee Structure
The revised official fees will apply to all intellectual property filings and proceedings, including:
- New IP applications
- Renewals and late renewals
- Recording of ownership changes
- Amendments to IP registrations
- Trademark oppositions
- Intellectual property hearings
Businesses and legal representatives should therefore carefully review their current IP portfolios and upcoming filings in Zanzibar.
Special Rule for Pending Trademark Applications
Although most fees will apply prospectively, there is an important exception for pending trademark applications.
For trademarks currently under examination or publication:
- The publication period remains sixty (60) days from the date of publication.
- However, the official registration fees payable at the time of registration will follow the new fee schedule if the registration occurs after 11 August 2025.
This means that existing pending trademark applications may still be affected by the new fees at the final registration stage.
Recommended Action for Businesses and IP Owners
To minimize the financial impact of the revised fees, businesses are strongly advised to:
- Review their trademark, patent, and design portfolios in Zanzibar
- File new IP applications before the new fees take effect
- Pay renewal or registration fees before 10 August 2025, where possible
Taking action early may avoid higher official government charges once the new regulations become effective.
Professional Assistance for IP Protection in Zanzibar
If you require assistance with:
- Trademark registration in Zanzibar
- Patent registration in Zanzibar
- Industrial design protection
- IP renewals or portfolio review
our intellectual property professionals can guide you through the updated regulations and filing procedures in Zanzibar.
Early consultation will help ensure timely compliance and cost-effective protection of your intellectual property rights
Should you require assistance, Kindly reach out to our team directly at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, Mob: +244 742 826 955