How to register a trademark in Uganda
In brief
Registering a trademark gives the owner the exclusive right to use the mark for the goods or services registered. Under the Trademarks Act, 2010, an applicant should first search the register, then apply for registration; once registered, the trademark is protected for an initial period of seven years and is renewable every ten years on payment of the prescribed fee (s.21). Registration is handled by the trademarks registry (the Uganda Registration Services Bureau).
1. Governing law
The Trademarks Act, 2010 (Act 17 of 2010) governs the registration and protection of trademarks. A person intending to apply should first carry out a search of the register to ascertain whether the mark is available, and may obtain the registrar's advice. On registration, the owner obtains an exclusive right to the use of the trademark in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered (subject to any limitations entered on the register). Registration of a trademark is for an initial period of seven years and is renewable every ten years upon payment of a prescribed fee, the registrar renewing on application by the registered owner in the prescribed manner and period (s.21); registration in Part A becomes conclusive as to validity after seven years (s.18). Registration is administered by the trademarks registry at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. Statutory text verified against the consolidated Laws of Uganda as at 31 December 2023. Sourced from the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ulii.org).
2. Key statutes & rules
- Trademarks Act, 2010 (Act 17 of 2010) — registration confers an exclusive right to use the trademark for the registered goods or services; provision for a search before application; s.18 (registration in Part A conclusive as to validity after seven years); s.21 (duration: seven years initially, renewable every ten years on a prescribed fee); s.22 (procedure on expiry of the registration period).
3. Practical guidance
Search the trademarks register first to check the mark is available and not confusingly similar to an existing one.
Prepare the application identifying the mark and the class(es) of goods or services, and file it with the trademarks registry (URSB).
Respond to any examination queries; on acceptance the mark is advertised to allow opposition.
On registration, obtain the certificate — you hold the exclusive right to use the mark for the registered goods or services (subject to any limitations).
Diarise renewal: protection runs seven years initially and is renewable every ten years on the prescribed fee (s.21).
This note is a practitioner orientation, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before filing or relying on it.