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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Madagascar

Who registers trademarks in Madagascar, what it costs, how long it takes and what foreign owners need — with links to the official sources and IP firms that can file for you.

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Quick answer

Trademarks in Madagascar are registered with the Office Malgache de la Propriété Industrielle (OMAPI). A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Madagascar can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
OMAPI
Madrid Protocol
Member since 2008
Protection
10 years from filing date
Multi-class filing
Allowed

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Official fees in Madagascar

The office does not publish an up-to-date fee schedule we could verify. Ask firms that cover Madagascar for a quote that shows official and professional fees separately — post a request or compare packages.

How to register a trademark in Madagascar

  1. Appoint an approved industrial property agent registered with OMAPI if filing through a representative, and sign the agent's power of attorney on the prescribed form.
  2. File the prescribed application form with OMAPI in French (or Malagasy with a French translation), with a reproduction of the mark, the goods and services grouped by Nice class, and proof of fee payment.
  3. OMAPI carries out an administrative (formalities) examination and invites the applicant to correct any deficiencies.
  4. OMAPI examines the mark on substance against the statutory grounds for refusal.
  5. OMAPI registers the mark and publishes it in the Gazette Officielle de la Propriété Industrielle.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: OMAPI conducts an administrative examination and a substantive examination before registration (Ordinance 89-019, art. 62); no official examination time is stated.
  • Publication: Gazette Officielle de la Propriété Industrielle (after registration)

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge (Ordinance 89-019, art. 69(2)); renewal can be requested in the 12 months before expiry
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: The implementing decree does not expressly require foreign applicants to appoint a local agent, but representatives must be approved by and registered with OMAPI; foreign applicants have two months (instead of one) to remedy filing-date deficiencies.
  • Power of attorney: Where an agent files, a power of attorney on the prescribed form, signed by the applicant, must be submitted (Decree 92-993, arts. 3 and 86); notarisation or legalisation requirements could not be verified.
  • Language: French, or Malagasy with a French translation; documents in other languages must be translated

Firms on TrademarksHub that cover Madagascar can act as your local agent — see firms.

Madrid Protocol

Madagascar is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 2008). 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); goods and services must be grouped by Nice class in the application. One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Madagascar compares

  • Renewal: every 10 years; grace period 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge (Ordinance 89-019, art. 69(2)); renewal can be requested in the 12 months before expiry — compare all countries
  • Foreign owners: not required — rules in every country

Guides: registering in any country · costs by country · Madrid

Good to know in Madagascar

  • Applications must be in French, or in Malagasy accompanied by a French translation.
  • The 1989 Ordinance provides no pre-registration opposition procedure; challenges are made by court action for nullity after registration.
  • A registered mark can be cancelled if it is not used within three years of the registration date, unless the owner shows legitimate reasons.
  • Marks are published only after registration, in the Gazette Officielle de la Propriété Industrielle, and the register may be consulted free of charge.
  • Madagascar can be designated in international registrations under the Madrid Protocol (in force since 28 April 2008).

Questions

Is Madagascar part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Madagascar since 28 April 2008.
How long does a trademark registration last in Madagascar?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable for further 10-year periods, with a six-month grace period after expiry on payment of a surcharge.
What language is used to file a trademark in Madagascar?
French, or Malagasy with a French translation.
Is there a trademark opposition period in Madagascar?
The 1989 Ordinance does not provide a pre-registration opposition procedure; marks are published after registration and can be challenged in court.
Can a trademark be cancelled for non-use in Madagascar?
Yes. Rights can be lost if the mark is not used within three years of registration, unless the owner shows legitimate reasons.