Service Marks are Now Registrable in Uganda

KAMPALA – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) would like to inform its clients that the service marks have become registrable in Uganda effective September 3rd, 2010.

According to a statement released by the legislature in Uganda, the Trademarks Act No. 17 of 2010 has extended protection, until now, only available for trademarks for goods, to trademarks for services.

Section (1) of the said Act defines a trademark as a a sign or mark or combination of signs or marks capable of being represented graphically and capable of distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from those of another undertaking.

Further, the Act specifies that a trademark relating to goods or services shall be registered in respect of particular goods or classes of goods; and a question arising as to the class within which goods or services fall shall be determined by the registrar.

Although the Implementing Regulations under the said Act are yet to be promulgated, there is a useful saving provision.