Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) would like to advise its clients that service marks have become registrable in Ghana effective December 1st, 2004.
According to a statement released by Elizabeth Owiredu-Gyampoh, Registrar of Trademarks in Ghana, the Trademarks Act No. 664 of 2004 has extended protection, until now, only available for trademarks for goods, to trade marks for services (described as service marks in some countries).
Although regulations under the said Act 664 are yet to be promulgated, the Act, in its Section 53 (5), maintains in force, until repealed, the Trademarks Regulations L.I. 667 of 1970, as amended.
Further, the said Act specifies in its Sections 4 (2), and 52, that the International Classification according to the Nice Agreement, of June 15, 1957 as last revised Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks shall be applied under the Act.
Pending the promulgation of Regulations under the said Trademarks Act, 2004 (Act 664), the Office of the Registrar-General will, as from December 1st, 2004, accept applications for the registration of trademarks for services (service marks), for which purpose the existing trademark application form (Form TM No. 2) can be utilized. This will enable the business community, in particular trademark owners, to enjoy the benefits of the extended protection provided under the Trademarks Act, 2004 (Act 664).
For any inquiries, clients are kindly requested to contact AGIP Africa Liaison office at the following address:
P.O. Box: 921100
Amman 11192, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Tel: (962-6) 5 100 900
Fax: (962-6) 5 100 901
E-mail:africa@tagi.com
Contact: Mr. Samer Jamhour