Tanzania Trademark Information

The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in central East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The population is estimated at 43739000 with a GDP of $57.400 billion.

Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Trademarks are assigned through the Registry of Trade Marks and Patents (Office in Zanzibar), Ministry of State in the President's Office, Constitutional Affairs and Good Governance, Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. Tanzania 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.