ARIPO Approves Comprehensive Amendments to Banjul Protocol on Marks

HARARE - The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has recently announced formal approval of comprehensive amendments to the Banjul Protocol on Marks. These revisions include updated implementing regulations, prescribed forms, and official fees. The changes, communicated by ARIPO’s Director General, took effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply to new, pending, and existing trademark applications and registrations.

The amended framework aims to clarify procedural rules, reorganize regulatory structure, and introduce a revised fee schedule. These changes are intended to strengthen ARIPO’s administrative capacity and improve service delivery. One notable change is the increase in official fees, with the paper filing fee for applications rising from US$100 to US$200. ARIPO states that the updated fees are necessary to support enhanced operations, faster processing times, and ensure the sustainability of regional trademark services.

In addition to the fee adjustments, the amendments also streamline procedural steps and update prescribed forms to reflect modern filing practices. Clearer timelines for examination, opposition, renewal, and cancellation procedures have also been implemented. These changes are expected to reduce ambiguity in cross-border filings and harmonize requirements across member states, providing greater predictability for rights holders and practitioners operating within the ARIPO system. To assist applicants, agents, and national offices, ARIPO has published guidance on how to adopt the new forms and procedural expectations.