Answer ... The Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO), which is under the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Answer ... The basic official fees are as follows:

• $200 filing fee;
• $5-plus charge per word of official publication; and
• $80 for sealing the certificate of registration.

If the application must be associated with an existing application or registration, a $40 association fee is additionally payable for each application. Any amendments required are subject to a fee of $40.

Answer ... Yes. Zimbabwe is not a member of the Nice Agreement, but has incorporated the classifications in terms of the Eighth Edition of the Nice Agreement into its regulations. The registrar, however, will accept descriptions based on the later editions of the Nice Agreement.

Answer ... The applicant must identify the specific goods or services in terms of the Nice Agreement and can use various descriptions, so long as they are within the relevant class of goods or services as set out in the Nice Agreement. After describing some of the goods or services, the applicant may state ‘and all such goods (or services) within the class’, to ensure the broadest coverage.

Answer ... The law simply states that the applicant must state in its application ‘intention to use’ in Zimbabwe.

Answer ... Yes.

Answer ... Substantive examination.

Answer ... A mark may be ineligible if it is considered deceptive or against public policy. A mark further is prima facie not registrable if it comprises letters of the alphabet that do not form a pronounceable word or a series of numbers.

Answer ... Yes, in some instances the registrar may allow registration in Part B of the Trademark Register if he or she determines that the mark is capable of distinguishing goods or services.

Answer ... No. A third party can only oppose a registration within two months of publication in the Zimbabwe Patent and Trade Mark Journal. However, if the third party sends a letter of protest before the mark is published, the registrar may consider the points made in the letter if they are consistent with the Trade Mark Act and the Trade Mark Regulations, and may decide to raise an objection himself or herself against registration.

Answer ... No, although it must have the intention to use it.

Answer ... Examination should take about four months to complete, but may take more time, depending on circumstances at ZIPO (e.g., staff shortages, equipment failure or lack of supplies).

Answer ... From filing to publication should take between six and eight months, but may take more time, depending on the circumstances at ZIPO (e.g., staff shortages, equipment failure or lack of supplies).