Practice Area
Intellectual Property
Protecting and enforcing trade marks, copyright and other intellectual property rights in Nigeria.
Overview
Intellectual property in Nigeria.
A brand, a creative work or an invention can be among the most valuable assets a business owns. Securing the right protection early makes it far easier to stop others from copying or trading on it. From our office in Abuja, we advise on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights in Nigeria.
We advise on registration and enforcement under Nigeria’s intellectual property laws, including the Trade Marks Act, the Patents and Designs Act and the Copyright Act 2022, which replaced the earlier copyright law and updated protection for the digital age. Intellectual property disputes are heard by the Federal High Court.
How we help
What we do for you.
- 01Trade mark searches, applications and oppositions
- 02Patent and industrial design applications
- 03Copyright advice, including for software, media and creative works
- 04Licensing, assignment and franchise agreements
- 05Enforcement against infringement and passing off
- 06Protecting brands and confidential information in commercial agreements
Need help with intellectual property?
Who we act for
Our clients.
- Businesses and brand owners
- Creators, authors and artists
- Technology and media companies
- Inventors
- Franchisors and licensees
Not sure whether we can help? Send us a short outline.
Do I need to register a trade mark?
Registration is not compulsory, but it gives you much stronger rights. A registered trade mark can be enforced against infringers; an unregistered mark generally relies on the more difficult action of passing off. We recommend a search before you adopt a new brand.
Do I need to register copyright?
No. Copyright arises automatically when an eligible original work is created and fixed in a form. Keeping clear records of creation and ownership, and using written agreements with anyone who creates work for you, helps to protect and prove your rights.
Which court deals with intellectual property disputes?
The Federal High Court has jurisdiction over intellectual property matters such as trade marks, patents, designs and copyright.
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