TrademarksHubThe worldwide trademark network
Feed

Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Samoa

Who registers trademarks in Samoa, 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.

Find a trademark firm in Samoa

Quick answer

Trademarks in Samoa are registered with the Registries of Companies and Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL); third parties can oppose within 3 months from publication of the application. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Samoa can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
MCIL
Madrid Protocol
Member since 2019
Opposition
3 months from publication of the application (I…
Protection
10 years from filing date
Multi-class filing
Allowed

Featured trademark firms in Samoa

Your firm here Reach brand owners looking for trademark help in Samoa. Get featured →

Featured places go to the firms with the highest monthly bid. Bid for a place →

Official fees in Samoa

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

How to register a trademark in Samoa

  1. Search the Samoan register through MCIL's online IP search (IPROS) and the IP Journal for earlier conflicting marks.
  2. Classify the goods and services under the Nice Classification.
  3. Overseas applicants appoint a legal practitioner resident and practising in Samoa and sign MCIL's Authorisation of Agent form.
  4. File the Trade Mark Application Form with the fees at MCIL's Intellectual Property Unit, or online through the IP registration system, or designate Samoa in a Madrid international application.
  5. The Registrar examines the application and, if accepted, publishes it in the IP Journal.
  6. Third parties have 3 months from publication to oppose; if there is no successful opposition, the mark is registered for 10 years from the filing date.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: The Registrar examines the application before it is published for opposition. No official examination period is stated.
  • Publication: Intellectual Property Journal published by MCIL on its website (accepted applications and grants).
  • Opposition period: 3 months from publication of the application (Intellectual Property Act 2011, s 53); the applicant then has 2 months to file a counter-statement.

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: Renewal may be filed up to 12 months before expiry; renewal after expiry requires a late renewal fee (length of the late window not verified).
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: Overseas applicants must be represented by a legal practitioner resident and practising in Samoa (Intellectual Property Act 2011, s 117(1), as summarised by MCIL).
  • Power of attorney: An Authorisation of Agent form (MCIL template) must be filed where an agent is appointed; notarisation requirements were not verified.

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

Madrid Protocol

Samoa is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 2019). 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 (MCIL's application materials refer to the 9th edition, Schedule 2 of the Act). One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Samoa compares

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

Good to know in Samoa

  • Samoa joined the Madrid Protocol with effect from 4 March 2019, so Samoa can be designated in an international registration.
  • Overseas applicants must use a legal practitioner resident and practising in Samoa as their agent.
  • A registered mark can be removed if it has not been genuinely used for a continuous period of 3 years (s 59), which is shorter than the 5 years used in many countries.
  • Several similar marks can be registered as a single series application (s 48(3)).

Questions

Is Samoa part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Samoa on 4 March 2019.
How long is a trademark valid in Samoa?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable for further 10-year periods.
How long is the trademark opposition period in Samoa?
Three months from publication of the application in MCIL's IP Journal.
Do foreign applicants need a local agent in Samoa?
Yes. Overseas applicants must be represented by a legal practitioner resident and practising in Samoa.
Which office registers trademarks in Samoa?
The Registries of Companies and Intellectual Property within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL).
Can a Samoan trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. Any interested person can apply to remove a mark that has not been genuinely used for a continuous period of 3 years.