On the 6th of March 2003, the Registrar of Trademarks in Sudan adopted the 8th Edition of the Nice Classification of goods and services.
Under the 1930 Sudanese Trademark rules, goods were classified into 50 classes, which did not include Services classes.
Although Sudan is not a member of the Nice Agreement, the Registrar of Trademarks adopted the International classification in 1984.
Accordingly, “Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software; legal services” now fall into class 42, “Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation” fall into class 43, “Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services” fall into class 44, and “Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals; security services for the protection of property and individuals” fall into class 45.
Trademark applicants in Sudan will have access to the same classes in which they file their trademarks in other countries that have adopted the 8th Edition of the Nice Classification.
Trademarks that were registered in old class 42 must be reclassified in the correct classes but the time for doing so has not yet been established.
When a registered trademark does not cover services that it should have covered, the owner of that trademark must file a new application to cover such services.
The registration requirements remain the same and the period for examination or to issuance of registration is approximately 16 months.
AGIP/ Sudan