Trademark registration in OAPI provides a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to protect their brand across 18 African countries through a single application. Cameroon is the headquarters of the regional intellectual property system that allows centralized trademark registration, making it one of the most efficient ways to secure your intellectual property rights across West and Central Africa.
Why Register Your Trademark in Cameroon?
Cameroon is a signatory to the Bangui Agreement, which governs the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). OAPI is a centralized IP system that covers the following 18 countries:
1. Benin
2. Burkina Faso
3. Cameroon
4. Central African Republic
5. Chad
6. Comoros
7. Congo (Brazzaville)
8. Côte d’Ivoire
9. Equatorial Guinea
10. Gabon
11. Guinea
12. Guinea-Bissau
13. Mali
14. Mauritania
15. Niger
16. Senegal
17. Togo
18. Union of the Comoros
We recently received a testimonial from a client who was pleasantly surprised to learn that his trademark protection extended even to Ghana. While attempting to register a company using his brand name in Cameroon, he was informed that the name was unavailable because it was already protected under OAPI-registered trademarks in Cameroon. This highlights how a single registration can secure your brand across multiple African countries.
By registering a trademark in Cameroon, you gain protection in all these countries without needing to file separate applications in each one. This consolidated approach saves time, reduces costs, and simplifies brand enforcement across the region.
Benefits of Trademark Registration in Cameroon
Pan-African coverage: One registration, 18 countries
Legal enforcement: Protects against imitation and infringement
Increased brand value: A registered trademark enhances credibility and market value
Business security: Deters counterfeiters and unauthorized use of your brand
Competitive edge: Secures your brand identity in emerging markets
Trademark Availability Search in Cameroon (Optional but Recommended)
We recommend and advise our clients to always do a Trademark availability Search,
Before filing a trademark application, it’s advisable to conduct a trademark availability search to ensure that your proposed mark does not conflict with existing registrations.
Statutory cost for availability search: 95,000 XAF / €139
Duration: Approximately 28 days
This step minimizes the risk of rejection and potential opposition from rights holders.
Trademark Registration Fees
Trademark Registration fee is 360,000 FCFA. Note that additional classes will attract additional cost,
e.g If you’re registering your trademark under four classes of goods or services, here’s a cost breakdown:
Base filing (includes one class): ~€520
Each additional class: 75,000 XAF / €108
Additional 3 classes: €108 x 3 = €324
Estimated total: ~€844 for 4 classes
Registration Process and Timeline
The trademark registration process in OAPI involves several key steps:
- Filing of the application
- Formal and substantive examination
- Publication in the official bulletin
- Opposition period (6 months)
- Issuance of trademark certificate
Duration: The entire process typically takes 7 to 8 months, depending on the complexity of the application and any opposition raised.
Trademark Validity and Renewal
Once registered, a trademark in Cameroon is valid for 10 years from the date of application. It can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent 10-year periods.
Renewal period: Every 10 years
Grace period for late renewal: 6 months (with penalty fee)
Required Documents
To register your trademark in Cameroon, the following are required:
Applicant’s full name and address
A clear image or representation of the trademark
A list of goods and/or services (Nice Classification)
Power of Attorney (when applying through a legal representative)
Priority document (if applicable)
Conclusion
Registering a trademark in Cameroon is a powerful step toward safeguarding your brand across 18 African nations. Whether you’re a startup, entrepreneur, or multinational, securing your intellectual property in this growing market enhances your brand’s resilience and competitiveness. Conducting a search, choosing the right classes, and working with a qualified IP lawyer are key to a smooth and successful registration process.
PREPARED BY
BARRISTER FRU SHELLA
WHATSAPP:+237 656 899 294