# Trademark registration in Ethiopia

> 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.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/ethiopia
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2025
- **Opposition period:** 60 days from publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days
- **Protection:** 7 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://eipo.gov.et/
- Law: Trademark Registration and Protection Proclamation No. 501/2006 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/12872
- Law: Council of Ministers Regulation No. 273/2012 on Trademark Registration and Protection — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/12890

## Steps
1. Prepare a legalised power of attorney and, for foreign applicants, proof of the home registration, as the office has required.
2. File the application with EIPA for a single mark, covering goods and services in one or more Nice classes.
3. EIPA examines the application for form and substance.
4. A notice inviting opposition is published in two newspapers, one in English and one in Amharic.
5. Third parties may oppose within 60 days of publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days.
6. If there is no opposition, pay the registration fee and the mark is registered.

- **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:** 60 days from publication, extendable by EIPA by up to 60 days
- **Timeline:** About 12 months from filing to registration, according to a law-firm guide
- **Late renewal:** Renewal reportedly within 3 months after expiry, plus a further 6 months with a penalty
- **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)
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- 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.

## FAQ
### Is Ethiopia part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes, according to practitioner reports, the Madrid Protocol entered into force for Ethiopia on 15 August 2025, the same day as the Paris Convention.

### How long does a trademark registration last in Ethiopia?
Seven years from the filing date, renewable for further seven-year periods.

### How long is the trademark opposition period in Ethiopia?
60 days from publication in newspapers, which EIPA can extend by up to 60 days.

### How long does trademark registration take in Ethiopia?
About 12 months from filing to registration, according to a law-firm guide.

### Can a trademark be cancelled for non-use in Ethiopia?
Yes. An interested party can seek cancellation if the mark has not been used for three consecutive years.

## Sources
- WIPO Lex – Ethiopia profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/ET
- WIPO Lex – Proclamation No. 501/2006: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/12872
- WIPO Lex – Regulation No. 273/2012: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/12890
- WIPO – Ethiopia IP office contact: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/country-profiles/contact?code=et
- WIPO – Madrid System members: https://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

Need a firm that files in Ethiopia? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/ethiopia (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.