# Trademark registration in Zambia

> 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.

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

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2001
- **Opposition period:** 60 days from publication of acceptance in the Intellectual Property Journal under the Trade Marks Act, 2023
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed
- **Foreign applicants:** Under the Trade Marks Act, 2023, non-resident applicants must appoint a trade mark agent domiciled in Zambia

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.pacra.org.zm/
- Online filing: https://www.pacra.org.zm/ip-online
- Law: Trade Marks Act, 2023 (Act No. 11 of 2023) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22407
- Law: The Trade Marks Regulations (made under the Trade Marks Act, Chapter 401) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5354

## Steps
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:** 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:** 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)
- **Late renewal:** 6 months after expiry with a surcharge (Trade Marks Act, 2023); restoration possible within 6 months after removal
- **Power of attorney:** The appointed agent must file an authorisation of agent with PACRA; notarisation or legalisation requirements are not stated in the Act.
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- 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.

## FAQ
### 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.

## Sources
- PACRA - Home: https://www.pacra.org.zm/
- PACRA - IP Online: https://www.pacra.org.zm/ip-online
- PACRA - Forms & Fees: https://www.pacra.org.zm/fees-and-forms
- PACRA - Madrid System: https://www.pacra.org.zm/madrid-system
- PACRA - Classifications: https://www.pacra.org.zm/classifications
- WIPO Lex - Trade Marks Act, 2023: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22407
- WIPO Lex - Trade Marks Regulations: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5354
- WIPO Lex - Zambia profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/ZM
- WIPO - Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?search_what=C&treaty_id=8

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