The legal basis for trademark law in Djibouti is the “Industrial Property Act 2009”. A full trademark protection can only be obtained by registration. Djibouti adopts the international “NICE” classification of 45 products and services. Note: Djibouti is not a member of the Madrid System. Therefore, an international application through WIPO is not possible.

Trademark registration: Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed before the Trademark Office by a local agent in the French language. A signed Power of Attorney (POA) is necessary. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration. Multi-class application is allowed in Djibouti.

Trademark registration: Procedure

The authority will examine the application carefully. If the application passes all the examinations and meets the (possible) extra requirements in office actions, the mark will be published in the Official Gazette for one month. In this period, the so called opposition period, a third party may oppose the published Djibouti trademark application. In a straight forward case, it takes approximately 4-8 months from first filing to registration.

Trademark registration: Duration

A trademark protection in Djibouti is valid for 10 years from the filing date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.

Trademark registration: Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION: Not possible