Trademark registration in EthiopiaQuick answer
Trademarks in Ethiopia are registered with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA); third parties can oppose within 60 days from publication. A registration lasts 7 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Ethiopia can be designated through the Madrid System.
Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources
- Office
- EIPA
- Madrid Protocol
- Member since 2025
- Opposition
- 60 days from publication, extendable by EIPA by…
- Protection
- 7 years from filing date
- Multi-class filing
- Allowed
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The trademark office and official links
Trademarks in Ethiopia are registered by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA).
Official fees in Ethiopia
The office does not publish an up-to-date fee schedule we could verify. Ask firms that cover Ethiopia for a quote that shows official and professional fees separately — post a request or compare packages.
How to register a trademark in Ethiopia
- Prepare a legalised power of attorney and, for foreign applicants, proof of the home registration, as the office has required.
- File the application with EIPA for a single mark, covering goods and services in one or more Nice classes.
- EIPA examines the application for form and substance.
- A notice inviting opposition is published in two newspapers, one in English and one in Amharic.
- Third parties may oppose within 60 days of publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days.
- If there is no opposition, pay the registration fee and the mark is registered.
Examination, publication and opposition
- Examination: EIPA examines applications for form and substance; one law-firm source puts examination at about 6 months.
- Publication: Two newspapers, one in English and one in Amharic
- Opposition period: 60 days from publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days
- Typical timeline: About 12 months from filing to registration, according to a law-firm guide
Protection, renewal and use
- Term: 7 years from the filing date, renewable.
- Late renewal: Renewal reportedly within 3 months after expiry, plus a further 6 months with a penalty
- Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.
Filing from abroad
- Power of attorney: A legalised power of attorney has been required for trademark applications, according to practitioners.
- Language: Amharic and English (opposition notices are published in both)
Firms on TrademarksHub that cover Ethiopia can act as your local agent — see firms.
Madrid Protocol
Ethiopia is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 2025). You can designate it in an international application filed through your home office, or file a national application directly. A local firm can advise which route is cheaper for your classes and timeline.
Trademark classes
Nice Classification (45 classes). One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.
How Ethiopia compares
- Opposition: 60 days from publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days — compare all countries
- Renewal: every 7 years; grace period Renewal reportedly within 3 months after expiry, plus a further 6 months with a penalty — compare all countries
Guides: registering in any country · costs by country · Madrid
Good to know in Ethiopia
- Registrations last seven years, renewable for further seven-year periods, rather than the ten years used in most countries.
- Ethiopia joined the Paris Convention with effect from 15 August 2025 and, according to practitioner reports, the Madrid Protocol from the same date; national law revisions to implement the treaties were reported to be under way.
- Opposition notices are published in local newspapers in English and Amharic rather than in an official gazette.
- A mark can be cancelled after three consecutive years of non-use.