Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Your Business Name

In Nigeria, protecting a business name is one move that prevents copycats from using your brand for their gain. Many entrepreneurs ignore trademarking until someone else registers a similar name and starts branding products or running ads. At that point, reclaiming the name becomes stressful and expensive. Securing a trademark early gives you control, legal backing, and brand ownership across the country.

A trademark stops other businesses from using your name, logo, or slogan for commercial benefit. It also boosts investor confidence, helps with bank documentation, and strengthens your online presence. Whether you run an SME, tech startup, fashion brand, consultancy, real estate firm, logistics company, or e-commerce platform, trademark protection keeps the name exclusively yours.

Below is a beginner-friendly and practical process to trademark a business name in Nigeria through the approved agency responsible for trademarks.

What a Trademark Means in Nigeria

A trademark is legal protection that gives you full rights to use a name, symbol, or phrase for commercial branding. Once registered, no other business is allowed to use that name in the same class of goods or services. This protection is issued by the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. A trademarked name can appear on:

• Product packaging
• Websites and mobile apps
• Marketing campaigns
• Business documents
• Social media branding
• Invoices and receipts

Without official registration, anyone can claim the same name and file for legal ownership before you.

Benefits of Trademarking a Business Name

Trademark registration attracts high CPC search intent because business owners want long-term protection and brand authority. Here are strong benefits:

• Legal claim over the business name across Nigeria
• Prevents competitors from copying your brand identity
• Boosts investor confidence and brand valuation
• Helps with securing loans, grants, partnerships
• Enables legal action against brand infringement
• Useful for export, franchise deals, or NAFDAC processing
• Adds authenticity to company registration documents

A registered business name alone isn’t the same as a trademark. Business name registration with CAC gives you permission to operate, but a trademark gives you protection over brand usage.

Step-by-Step Process to Trademark a Business Name in Nigeria

The registration can be done by you or through an accredited agent. Below is the full process from start to finish.

1. Conduct Name Availability Search

The first action is to check if the name is already registered by someone else. You can search through the official trademark portal or contact an agent. During the search, ensure the name isn’t too similar to existing trademarks. If it is, the application may be rejected.

2. Choose the Class for Your Business Activity

Trademarks are grouped into classes based on services or products. Selecting the right class prevents complications. Examples of classes include:

• Clothing and fashion items
• Financial services
• Technology and software
• Food and beverages
• Healthcare products
• Real estate and construction
• Transportation and logistics

One business name can be registered under multiple classes if needed.

3. Prepare the Trademark Application

You will need the following:

• Applicant’s full name
• Business or home address
• Phone number and email
• Trademark name or logo sample
• Applicant’s signature
• Power of Attorney if using an agent

A logo is not compulsory if you only want to trademark the name.

4. Submit the Application

Submission can be done online or physically at the trademark registry in Abuja. Most people use accredited agents to speed up the filing. Once submitted, the registry issues an Acknowledgment Letter as proof that your application has been received.

5. Receive the Acceptance Letter

If the name is approved after examination, an Acceptance Letter is issued. This confirms that the name has passed the initial review. If rejected, another name may be suggested or you can make changes and reapply.

6. Publication in the Trademark Journal

Approved names are published in the Trademark Journal for public scrutiny. During this stage, anyone with objections can contest the registration. If no objection is raised within the set period, the process continues smoothly.

7. Issuance of the Certificate

The final stage is the Certificate of Registration. This document gives you 7 years of protection, which can be renewed every 14 years after the first term. Once issued, you can use the ® symbol instead of ™.

How Long the Process Takes

The timeline depends on objections, class type, and how fast documents are submitted. Using an accredited agent usually reduces delays because they understand the process and requirements.

Cost of Trademarking in Nigeria

Fees depend on the number of classes and whether you apply directly or use an agent. Some agents include processing charges, while direct filing may require several payments at different stages. Expect costs for:

• Official filing fee
• Search fee
• Publication fee
• Certificate processing

Trademarking one class usually costs more when handled by law firms or IP agents, but you avoid multiple rejection corrections.

Who Can Apply

Any of the following can file:

• Individuals running a brand name
• Registered business owners
• Startups and SMEs
• Foreign-owned companies
• NGOs and private labels

You don’t need to register with CAC before filing, although it helps when presenting supporting documents.

Difference Between Business Name Registration and Trademark

Many entrepreneurs confuse CAC name reservation with trademark protection. Below is the difference:

• CAC registration gives legal permission to use a name for business operations
• Trademark gives ownership rights and prevents others from using the same name
• CAC focuses on company formation
• Trademark focuses on brand protection

A business name can be trademarked even if it hasn’t been fully registered as a company.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying names similar to registered brands
• Using generic words without uniqueness
• Skipping the availability search
• Choosing the wrong class
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Ignoring objections during publication

Avoiding these mistakes helps you secure approval quickly.

How to Use the Trademark After Registration

Once you receive the certificate, you can apply the ® symbol beside the name or logo. The symbol protects the brand in advertising, social media, websites, and packaging. If someone copies your name, you can issue a legal notice or take the case to court.

Renewal and Duration

The first registration lasts for 7 years. After that, renewal extends protection for 14 years at a time. The name remains exclusively yours as long as renewals are kept up to date.

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