Nigeria Trademark Information

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is located in Central Africa along the western coast. It is bordered by Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the North. The population is estimated at 158,259,000 with a GDP of $341.57 billion.

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Trademarks are assigned through the Registry of Trade Marks, Patents and Designs under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Nigeria is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. A trademark is valid for 14 years and may be renewed for further periods of 14 years each.