Question: What is the total cost of the entire registration process for per mark per class, from filing the initial application to forwarding the registration certificate? (Presume that the whole process is smooth and no any third party files an objection?
One of the most frequently asked questions is how much does it cost to register a trademark in Nigeria? It usually depends on whether the mark is a local (National/Nigerian) trademark or if it is a foreign (international) mark. Most lawyers charge a reduced fee for local marks as a means to encourage Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to protect their brands.
Foreign marks attract a lot more financially.
Foreign Marks and Logos – $450 – $1050
Local (Nigerian) Trademarks and Logos – N45,000 –N170,000 (approximately $150 – $470)
Why do the costs vary from one lawyer to the next?
The simple answer is that lawyer fees vary depending on experience, background and expertise. In addition, it may also vary depending on whether the work is carried out as part of public interest.
If my trademark application is denied can I get a refund?
The answer is no. Billing in the legal service industry is typically done on an hourly basis. What this means is that lawyers typically charge an amount proportionate to the time they spend working on your transaction.
Think about it this way – the lawyer prepares the trademark application; pays the official fees for filing the trademark application; files the application; receives the acknowledgement and forwards it on to the client; monitors the application to receive a decision on whether the mark has been approved or refused etc. Each step of the way the lawyer is expending his time and resources including direct and indirect costs and as such whether or not the decision is favorable to the client, a refund should not be expected.
For more information on filing trademarks in Nigeria, please email trademarks@nlipw.com
