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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Sierra Leone

Who registers trademarks in Sierra Leone, 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 Sierra Leone are registered with the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General (OARG); third parties can oppose within 3 months from publication. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Sierra Leone can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
OARG
Madrid Protocol
Member since 1999
Opposition
3 months from publication, extendable up to 9 m…
Protection
10 years from filing date

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Official fees in Sierra Leone

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

How to register a trademark in Sierra Leone

  1. Search the register for earlier conflicting marks before filing.
  2. Appoint a legal practitioner resident and practising in Sierra Leone if the applicant is based abroad.
  3. File the application on the prescribed form with the Trade Marks Registry, listing the goods and services under the international (Nice) classification.
  4. The Registrar examines the application and, if accepted, publishes it in the Gazette (and an official bulletin where available).
  5. Third parties may oppose within three months of publication, extendable to nine months in total.
  6. If there is no successful opposition, the mark is registered for ten years from the filing date.
  7. Alternatively, designate Sierra Leone in an international application under the Madrid Protocol.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Publication: Sierra Leone Gazette and, where available, an official bulletin (Trade Marks Act 2014, s. 23)
  • Opposition period: 3 months from publication, extendable up to 9 months in total (s. 6(3))

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: 6 months for late payment of the renewal fee, with a surcharge (s. 11(2))
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: Applicants whose ordinary residence or principal place of business is outside Sierra Leone must be represented by a legal practitioner resident and practising in Sierra Leone (s. 17).
  • Power of attorney: The Act has no specific power-of-attorney provision; it allows filing by the applicant or an agent (s. 2(1)). Any formalities set by the 2024 Regulations were not confirmed.

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

Madrid Protocol

Sierra Leone is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 1999). 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 (the Act requires goods and services to be listed under the international classification). Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Sierra Leone compares

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

Good to know in Sierra Leone

  • Trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 2014 (Act No. 8 of 2014), and the Trade Mark Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 19 of 2024), which the Registry reportedly began applying in January 2026.
  • Under the 2024 Regulations, prescribed forms are mandatory and requests not on the correct form may be rejected; marks filed without a colour claim are reportedly deemed to cover all colours.
  • Sierra Leone has been a Madrid Protocol member since 28 December 1999, but practitioners note that the 2014 Act does not expressly give effect to the Protocol, which leaves some doubt over the enforceability of international registrations; a local representative is needed to respond to a provisional refusal.
  • A registration can be removed for non-use over a continuous period of five years.
  • Sierra Leone is an ARIPO member state but is reported not to be party to the ARIPO Banjul Protocol on marks, so ARIPO regional trademark applications do not cover it.

Questions

Is Sierra Leone part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Sierra Leone since 28 December 1999, although practitioners note the 2014 Act does not expressly give effect to it.
How long is the trademark opposition period in Sierra Leone?
Three months from publication, which can be extended up to nine months in total.
How long does a trademark registration last in Sierra Leone?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable for further ten-year periods, with a six-month grace period for late renewal on payment of a surcharge.
Do foreign applicants need a local agent in Sierra Leone?
Yes. Applicants based outside Sierra Leone must be represented by a legal practitioner resident and practising in Sierra Leone.
What law governs trademarks in Sierra Leone?
The Trade Marks Act, 2014 (Act No. 8 of 2014), with the Trade Mark Regulations 2024.
Can an ARIPO trademark application cover Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is reported not to be party to ARIPO's Banjul Protocol on marks, so protection is obtained nationally or through the Madrid Protocol.