Cape Verde Trademark Information

The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 15 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa. The population is estimated at 567000 with a GDP of $1.841 billion.

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Trademarks are assigned through the General Directorate of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. Cape Verde is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. A trademark is valid for 10 years and may be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.