Last Change:

04/08/2025

Trade Mark Law

Year: 1955

Type: Domestic law

Rights Category: Housing, land & property

Link to external source: https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/document/download/321a7f9c-5e4a-49db-83d4-b18e021804e6_en?filename=IP+SOMALIA+FINAL.pdf
Description

Trademark registration currently operates under the Trade Mark Law No. 3 of 1955, as amended by subsequent laws in 1975 and 1987. 

Selected provisions
Section 2 - Trade Marks

• Foreigners need to appoint a local agent;
• Customs recordals are possible;
• The country operates a single-class filing system;
• A mandatory pre-filing search must be conducted by SIPO
• Trade mark applications do not cover alcohol and pork products due to local
Islamic background
• Priority claims are not recognised in Somalia
• Cancellation for non-use period is 3 years;
• Appointment of and recordal of licensees at the IP office is advisable;
• Opposition period is 5 days after the advertisement of the trademark application.