Trademark registration renewal in Burundi

The market in Burundi is gradually taking shape and the competition is increasing, the renewal of trademark registration is not only an administrative procedure but also a decisive thing for the sustainable development of businesses. A registered trademark is a valuable intangible asset that represents the brand’s reputation, quality, and identity to customers. Missing the renewal deadline can lead to consequences such as loss of trademark ownership, creating opportunities for competitors or infringers to take advantage of. Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the procedure for renewing trademark registration in Burundi through the article below.

Time to renew trademark registration in Burundi

The validity period and timelines related to trademark renewal in Burundi are as follows:

• Initial Validity Period: The period of protection is effective for ten (10) years, calculated from the date of filing the initial application.
• Periodic renewal period: To continue to maintain trademark ownership after the 10-year period ends, you need to proceed with the renewal procedure. You may apply for renewal fairly early within twelve (12) months prior to the expiration date of your current subscription.
• Late renewal period: In case you miss the usual renewal period (12 months before the expiration date), Burundi law still provides for a “grace period” period for you to be able to make the renewal. Specifically, you can still apply for renewal within six (6) months after the date the trademark officially expires. However, renewal during this period will be accompanied by an additional penalty fee as prescribed by the Office Burundais de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OBPI).

Trademark registration renewal dossier in Burundi

To carry out the procedure for renewal of trademark registration in Burundi, you need to prepare all the following documents:

• Application for Renewal of Trademark Registration: The application form usually requires the following information:
  • Details of the trademark owner: Full name (individual or organization), current address, nationality, phone number, contact email.
  • Information about the trademark to be renewed: Trademark registration number, date of registration, and trademark image or description (may not be required depending on the application form).
  • List of goods and services to renew: Reconfirm the groups of goods and services that the trademark is protected and that you want to continue to renew.
• A copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate;
• Power of Attorney (POA) – if applying through an agent: In case you do not directly carry out the renewal procedure but authorize an intellectual property agent, you need to provide a valid Power of Attorney (POA).
• Receipt of payment of renewal fee;

Filing a dossier for trademark registration renewal

• Direct filing at OBPI: The trademark owner or legal representative can go directly to OBPI’s headquarters in Burundi to file the application.
• Filing through an Intellectual Property Representative in Burundi: If you have authorized a law firm or intellectual property representative office in Burundi, they will represent you to prepare and file the entire renewal application.

Processing of trademark registration renewal application in Burundi

Processing of trademark registration renewal application

Once you have completed the application for renewal and payment of the fee, the Office Burundais de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OBPI) will proceed with the processing steps of your application.

• Review of the application: OBPI will conduct an examination of the renewal application and all accompanying documents. This process includes verifying the completeness and accuracy of the information provided, such as information about the owner, trademark details, registration number, list of goods/services, etc.
• Validity Assessment: OBPI will assess whether your renewal application complies with Burundi’s applicable legal regulations and procedures regarding trademark registration renewal. If the application is determined to be valid and the renewal fee has been paid in full, OBPI will proceed to the next step of approving the renewal.
• Proceed with the renewal of the trademark registration: Once the application for renewal is approved, the OBPI will officially renew the validity of your trademark registration for a period of ten (10) years, counting from the expiration date of the previous registration.
• Recorded in the Trademark Register: The information about the renewal of your trademark registration will be officially recorded in the Trademark Register of OBPI. This is the official database that keeps all the information related to the registration and renewal of a trademark in Burundi.