# Trademark registration in Zimbabwe

> Trademarks in Zimbabwe are registered with the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO); third parties can oppose within 2 months from advertisement in the Journal. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Zimbabwe can be designated through the Madrid System.

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

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (Registrar of Trade Marks) (ZIPO)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2015
- **Opposition period:** 2 months from advertisement in the Journal
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** No — one class per application
- **Foreign applicants:** Applicants who do not reside or carry on business in Zimbabwe must give an address for service in Zimbabwe when require…

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.zipo.gov.zw/
- Law: Trade Marks Act, Chapter 26:04 (amended up to Act No. 3 of 2016) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/18709
- Law: Zimbabwe Trade Mark Regulations, 2005 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/8943
- Law: Statutory Instrument 153 of 2010 (commencement of the Trade Marks Amendment Act, 2001) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/7849

## Steps
1. Search the Register for earlier conflicting marks.
2. File a separate application for each class with the Registrar of Trade Marks, appointing an agent by written authority (form T.M. 43) if one is used.
3. The Registrar examines the application for registration in Part A (distinctive marks) or Part B (marks capable of distinguishing).
4. After acceptance, the application is advertised in the Patents and Trade Marks Journal.
5. Third parties may oppose within two months of the advertisement.
6. If unopposed, the mark is registered with effect from the application date and a certificate is issued.

- **Examination:** The Registrar of Trade Marks examines applications; no official processing time is stated.
- **Publication:** Patents and Trade Marks Journal
- **Opposition:** 2 months from advertisement in the Journal
- **Late renewal:** 6 months for late payment of the renewal fee; a removed mark can be restored within 3 years of removal in certain circumstances
- **Power of attorney:** An agent is appointed by filing a written authority on form T.M. 43 or another written form the Registrar accepts; notarisation is not required by the Regulations.
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- Each application may cover only one class; separate applications are needed for additional classes.
- The Register has four parts: Part A (distinctive marks), Part B (marks capable of distinguishing), Part C (certification marks) and Part D (defensive marks for well-known marks).
- A Part A registration becomes conclusive as to validity after five years, except in cases of fraud.
- The Trade Marks Act contains provisions on both the Madrid Protocol and the Banjul Protocol (ARIPO regional marks).

## FAQ
### Is Zimbabwe part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Zimbabwe since 11 March 2015.

### Can I file one trademark application for several classes in Zimbabwe?
No. The Trade Mark Regulations require a separate application for each class.

### How long is the trademark opposition period in Zimbabwe?
Oppositions must be filed within two months of the application's advertisement in the Patents and Trade Marks Journal.

### How long does a trademark registration last in Zimbabwe?
Registration lasts 10 years, dated from the application date, and is renewable for 10-year periods with a 6-month grace period for late renewal fees.

### Can a Zimbabwe trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. A mark can be removed on application by an aggrieved person if it has not been used in good faith for a continuous period of five years.

## Sources
- WIPO Lex - Trade Marks Act, Chapter 26:04: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/18709
- WIPO Lex - Zimbabwe Trade Mark Regulations, 2005: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/8943
- WIPO Lex - SI 153 of 2010: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/7849
- WIPO Lex - Zimbabwe profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/ZW
- 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 Zimbabwe? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/zimbabwe (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.