Trademarks Law in Liberia
Here’s a detailed overview of trademark law in Liberia:
🇱🇷 Trademark Law in Liberia
🔹 Governing Law
Trademark protection in Liberia is governed primarily by the Liberian Trademarks Act of 1989.
The law is administered by the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (BPTC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Liberia is a member of major international IP treaties, including:
The Paris Convention
The Madrid Protocol (acceded in 2018)
The TRIPS Agreement (as a member of the WTO)
🔹 What Can Be Registered?
Trademarks include any distinctive sign capable of distinguishing goods or services, such as:
Words, names, letters, numerals
Logos, designs, shapes, colors
Sounds and other non-conventional marks if graphically representable
Collective and certification marks
🔹 Registration Process
Application: File with the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (BPTC), including mark representation and list of goods/services.
Formal Examination: Completeness and compliance check.
Substantive Examination: Checking for prior conflicting marks and compliance.
Publication: Published in the official journal for a 60-day opposition period.
Registration: Issuance of registration certificate if no oppositions or oppositions are resolved.
🔹 Rights Granted
Exclusive right to use the trademark on the registered goods/services.
Right to prevent unauthorized use, imitation, or counterfeiting.
Rights to license, assign, or transfer the trademark.
🔹 Duration and Renewal
Registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
Renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
🔹 Use Requirement and Cancellation
Non-use of a trademark for 3 consecutive years can be a ground for cancellation if requested by a third party.
Genuine use is required to maintain protection.
🔹 Enforcement
Enforcement is available through:
Civil courts for injunctions, damages, and other remedies.
Customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods.
Criminal penalties exist for counterfeit and infringement activities.
🔹 International Treaties
| Treaty | Status |
|---|---|
| Paris Convention | Member |
| Madrid Protocol | Member since 2018 |
| TRIPS (WTO) | Member |
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Liberian Trademarks Act (1989) |
| Authority | Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (BPTC) |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
| Registration | Required |
| Use requirement | 3 years’ non-use = cancellation possible |
| Enforcement | Civil, customs, criminal |
| International treaties | Paris, Madrid, TRIPS |
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