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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Zambia

Who registers trademarks in Zambia, 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 Zambia are registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA). A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Zambia can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
PACRA
Madrid Protocol
Member since 2001
Opposition
60 days from publication of acceptance in the I…
Protection
10 years from filing date
Multi-class filing
Allowed

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Official fees in Zambia

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

How to register a trademark in Zambia

  1. Search for earlier marks (PACRA links to the TMView database for searches).
  2. Non-resident applicants appoint a trade mark agent domiciled in Zambia, who files an authorisation of agent.
  3. File the application with PACRA, paying a fee for each class covered.
  4. PACRA's Registrar examines the application; the applicant has 60 days to respond to a proposed rejection.
  5. After acceptance, the acceptance is published in the Intellectual Property Journal and third parties may oppose within 60 days.
  6. If unopposed, the mark is registered with the filing date treated as the registration date.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: The Registrar at PACRA examines applications. Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, an application must be completed within 12 months of filing, failing which it may be treated as abandoned.
  • Publication: Intellectual Property Journal published by PACRA (Trade Marks Act, 2023); the earlier regulations refer to the Trade Marks Journal
  • Opposition period: 60 days from publication of acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal under the Trade Marks Act, 2023 (two months from advertisement under the earlier Trade Marks Regulations)

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: 6 months after expiry with a surcharge (Trade Marks Act, 2023); restoration possible within 6 months after removal
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.
  • Rights system: first to file.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, non-resident applicants must appoint a trade mark agent domiciled in Zambia; residents may appoint one optionally.
  • Power of attorney: The appointed agent must file an authorisation of agent with PACRA; notarisation or legalisation requirements are not stated in the Act.

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

Madrid Protocol

Zambia is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 2001). 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; PACRA links to the 13th edition. One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Zambia compares

  • Opposition: 60 days from publication of acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal under the Trade Marks Act, 2023 (two months from advertisement under the earlier Trade Marks Regulations) — compare all countries
  • Renewal: every 10 years; grace period 6 months after expiry with a surcharge (Trade Marks Act, 2023); restoration possible within 6 months after removal — compare all countries
  • Foreign owners: required — rules in every country

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

Good to know in Zambia

  • The Trade Marks Act, 2023 replaces the Trade Marks Act of 1958 (Chapter 401) and comes into operation on a date appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.
  • Under the 2023 Act, one application can cover several classes, with a fee for each class, and can be divided before registration.
  • PACRA's IP Online filing service was under renovation in October 2026, pending migration to a new platform.
  • Zambian applicants can file Madrid international applications through PACRA using WIPO's eMadrid.

Questions

Is Zambia part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Zambia since 15 November 2001.
Who registers trademarks in Zambia?
Trademarks are registered by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
Do foreign companies need a local agent to register a trademark in Zambia?
Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, non-resident applicants must appoint a trade mark agent domiciled in Zambia.
How long is the trademark opposition period in Zambia?
Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, oppositions must be filed within 60 days of publication of acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal.
How long does a trademark registration last in Zambia?
Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for 10-year periods, with a 6-month late-renewal grace period.