There are significant backlogs when it comes to trade mark oppositions in Nigeria. In 2019, the authorities announced that a Trademark Opposition Tribunal would be created. This tribunal has now finally been ‘commissioned’.

Although it is still not clear when the tribunal will actually become operational, we do understand that the tribunal will have access to the law reports and other legal materials it needs (something that is apparently not the case under the present regime). We also understand that all hearings will be overseen by either the Registrar of Trademarks or an assistant registrar.

Local lawyers hope that the opposition process will be expedited, with judgments being delivered within no more than 30 days of the hearing.

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