Procedure for Trademark Search in Nigeria

Procedure for Trademark Search in Nigeria is a critical step every business owner must understand before registering a brand name, logo, or slogan. When you are building a brand in Nigeria, one of the smartest decisions you can make is to protect that brand from legal conflict, rejection, and future loss.

Building a brand in Nigeria is more than creativity. It is strategy. It is foresight. It is protection.

You invest time choosing a business name that resonates. You design a logo that captures attention. You craft a slogan that lingers in the mind. But without proper protection, all that effort can dissolve overnight if someone else already owns the rights to what you are using.

This is where trademark search in Nigeria becomes a critical business decision—not an afterthought.

Many entrepreneurs skip this step. Some are unaware it exists. Others assume they can register any name without checking. In reality, failing to conduct a proper trademark search can lead to rejected applications, financial loss, and avoidable legal disputes.

A trademark search answers one strategic question before you move forward:
Is this brand truly mine to own?

What Is Trademark Search?

Trademark search is the process of verifying whether a proposed brand name, logo, or slogan is already registered or in use by another party.

It helps you determine whether your intended trademark is:

• Available for registration

• Too similar to an existing trademark

• Likely to be rejected by the Trademarks Registry

In Nigeria, trademark search is conducted at the Trademarks Registry, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The registry maintains official records of all registered trademarks in the country.

Conducting a trademark search allows you to move forward with confidence—or pivot early before costly mistakes occur.

How Trademark Search Is Conducted in Nigeria

Trademark search in Nigeria involves reviewing the official trademark database maintained by the Trademarks Registry.

The search does not focus solely on exact matches. It also considers trademarks that are confusingly similar. A trademark may be deemed similar if it:

• Looks alike

• Sounds alike

• Has a similar meaning

• Is used within the same or related class of goods or services

For example, attempting to register a brand name like “NikeWear” for footwear would likely be rejected due to its similarity to the existing trademark “Nike”, even though the names are not identical.

This broader analysis is why trademark search requires professional judgment.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Trademark Search in Nigeria

Step 1: Identify Your Trademark Clearly

Begin by defining exactly what you want to protect. This could be:

• A brand name

• A logo

• A slogan

• Or a combination of these

Ensure the spelling, design, and wording are final before starting the search.

Step 2: Determine the Appropriate Trademark Class

Nigeria follows the Nice Classification System, which consists of 45 trademark classes:

• Classes 1–34 cover goods

• Classes 35–45 cover services

Trademark protection applies only within the selected class. This means two businesses can legally use the same name if they operate in entirely different classes.

For instance, a fashion brand and a software company may share a name without conflict if they fall under different classifications.

Step 3: Conduct the Search at the Trademarks Registry

Trademark searches are conducted at the Trademarks Registry. This can be done by:

• Visiting the registry physically, or

• Engaging a professional trademark agent with authorized access

Most businesses prefer using agents, as they understand classification rules and can identify risks that are not obvious to untrained eyes.

Step 4: Review and Interpret the Search Results

Search results will reveal whether:

• Your trademark is available

• Similar trademarks already exist

• There is a likelihood of conflict

At this stage, professional interpretation is crucial. Similarity is not always obvious, and overlooking subtle conflicts can lead to rejection later.

Step 5: Decide on the Next Course of Action

Based on the results:

• If the trademark is available, proceed confidently to registration

• If conflicts exist, you may:

  • Change the trademark entirely

  • Modify it and search again

  • Consider a different class, where appropriate

Proceeding with a conflicting trademark only delays growth and increases legal exposure.

Step 6: Proceed with Trademark Registration

Once availability is confirmed, the next logical step is registration. At this point, you are no longer guessing—you are acting on verified information.

At Ptaconsultnigeria.com, we manage the entire process from trademark search to certificate issuance, ensuring accuracy, speed, and compliance.

Cost of Trademark Search in Nigeria

The cost of trademark search depends on the method used.

• Conducting the search personally involves paying official government fees, which are relatively affordable.

• Using a professional agent includes service fees for conducting the search and providing expert analysis.

In practical terms, trademark search costs far less than trademark registration and significantly less than the cost of correcting a rejected application.

It is a small investment with high strategic value.

How Long Does Trademark Search Take?

Trademark search in Nigeria typically takes a few days to one week, depending on:

• Registry workload

• Number of classes searched

• Complexity of the trademark

Rushing this process increases risk. A thorough search ensures informed decision-making.

Can Trademark Search Be Done Online in Nigeria?

Currently, Nigeria does not offer a fully public online trademark search portal accessible to everyone.

The official database is managed internally by the Trademarks Registry and accredited agents. While some unofficial platforms claim to offer online searches, they may not be reliable.

The safest approach remains working through the official registry or trusted professionals such as Ptaconsultnigeria.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Search in Nigeria

Is trademark search compulsory?
No, but it is strongly recommended to avoid rejection and financial loss.

Can I conduct trademark search myself?
Direct public online access is limited. Most searches are conducted through the registry or accredited agents.

How do I know if a trademark is too similar?
Similarity is assessed based on appearance, sound, meaning, and class. This typically requires professional evaluation.

Can two businesses use the same trademark?
Yes, if they operate in completely different classes without likelihood of confusion.

What if I already started using a trademark without searching?
Conduct a search immediately. If unavailable, rebranding early reduces long-term risk.

How long is a search result valid?
Results reflect the status at the time of search. Prompt registration is advised to secure priority.

Conclusion

Trademark search is the foundation of brand protection in Nigeria. It safeguards your investment, preserves your reputation, and positions your business for sustainable growth.

Skipping this step exposes your brand to unnecessary risk. Conducting it gives you clarity, confidence, and control.

Protecting your brand begins with the right knowledge and the right support. If you want the Procedure for Trademark Search in Nigeria handled professionally from start to finish, PTA Consult Nigeria is ready to support you. From trademark search to certificate issuance, we help businesses move forward with confidence and clarity. Visit Ptaconsultnigeria.com.ng to get started.

Your brand deserves certainty.
Your business deserves protection.
Start with a trademark search today.

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