Filing Requirements:
1. Power of attorney, simply signed. A separate power is required for each application.
2. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed.
3. 12 prints of the mark for each application.
* Items 1 and 3 must be submitted at the time of filing.
* Document 2 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.
Classification:
The International Classification of Goods and Services (8th Edition) is followed. A single application can include several classes.
Opposition:
No provisions.
Extension Of Time:
Extension of time is not possible.
Protection Term:
Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from filing date and are renewable for like periods. There is a grace period of 6 months for late renewals with payment of a surcharge.
Documents Required For Renewal:
- Power of attorney, simply signed. A separate form is required for each application.
Use Requirements:
Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark. However, a trademark is vulnerable to cancellation by any interested party if there has been no effective use of the mark for a period of 5 consecutive years preceding the date of filing for cancellation.
Search:
An official search can be conducted for word marks and devices. The search takes 10 to 15 working days. A single application is required for search in several classes. The search report discloses similar and identical trademarks.
Assignment:
* Trademark applications and registrations may be assigned with or without the goodwill of the business concerned.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney from the assignee, simply signed.
- Deed of Assignment, or other instrument of title with sworn French translation.
Change Of Name/Address:
* A change of name/address can be recorded for trademark applications and registrations.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Certificate of change of name of the applicant with sworn French translation.
- Change of address, only a power of attorney, simply signed, is required.
Licensing:
* License recordal is compulsory in order to be effective against third parties.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- License agreement with sworn French translation.
Merger:
* A merger may be recorded for trademark applications and registrations.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Copy of certificate of merger with verified French translation.
Marking:
Marking is not compulsory.
Cancellation:
A registered mark can be cancelled by the decision of the Court at any time if the conditions of grant were not respected.
Registration Time Frame:
The time frame for completing the registration process is 10 to 12 months.
Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:
Acceptable.