Mozambique Now Requires Rights Holders to File a Further Declaration of Intention To Use, for Trade

The trade mark office in Mozambique has recently made it a requirement for rights holders, holding International Registrations (IR) designating Mozambique, to file further declarations of intention to use the trade mark in Mozambique.

As part of the IR regime, the owner of or applicant for an IR by designating Mozambique must declare an intention to use the mark in Mozambique in connection with the goods and services identified in the international application or subsequent designation. The new rule now sets out the holder must submit a further declaration of intention to use the mark at the Trade Mark Office of Mozambique and pay the required fee.

Such declaration must be submitted by the holder’s authorized representative and the declaration must be presented within five years from the date the trade mark office is notified of the International Registration or the subsequent designation.

Where the trade mark office is notified of a subsequent designation less than five years before the due date for renewal, this declaration must be presented within five years from the date of renewal. Additional declarations must be presented within five years from each date on which the international registration is subsequently renewed.

For more information on filing trade marks in Mozambique please contact Carole Theuri