ARIPO launches 2026 Edition of the Banjul Protocol on trademarks

On 1 March 2026, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) officially published the 2026 Edition of the Banjul Protocol on Marks, which includes updated implementing regulations, prescribed forms, and official fees. These amendments were adopted by the ARIPO Administrative Council and are now in force for all trademark applications, pending matters, and registrations filed under the ARIPO system. The official notice and full document are available on the ARIPO website.

Key Changes in the 2026 Edition

The 2026 revision modernises ARIPO’s regional trademark framework to improve transparency, clarity, and efficiency. The main updates include:

Exhibition priority: applicants can now claim priority for trademarks first displayed at recognised exhibitions if filed within six months;
Shorter examination timelines: Designated States have six months (down from the previous nine) to communicate examination results;
Electronic filing: the Protocol now recognises online submissions for all applications.
Opposition procedures: introduction of a transmittal fee and improved coordination with national offices;
Official language: English is confirmed as the language of proceedings before ARIPO.

ARIPO Trademark Fees – 2026 Edition

The official ARIPO fees under the 2026 Edition are:

Item	Fee (USD)
1. Application fee
Paper filing	200
Electronic filing	160
2. Designation fee
In one class per design	50
In every additional class per design	20
3. Extra word fee (beyond 50 words per class)	10
4. Subsequent designation
Request per D/S	100
In one class per D/S	50
In every additional class per D/S	20
5. Registration fee
In one class per D/S	150
In every additional class per D/S	50
6. Renewal of registration
In one class per D/S	200
In every additional class per D/S	100
7. Surcharge for late renewal	20 % per class
8. Request to remove a mark for non-use, or to rectify entry	20
9. Change of representative	100
10. Alteration of name, address, or correction per class per D/S	30
11. Restoration of a mark per D/S	100
12. Registered user matters
For one class per D/S	50
For every additional class per D/S	50
13. Copies of register entries or extracts
Certified copy	30
Non-certified copy	20
14. Assignments, licences or other rights
For one class per D/S	50
For every additional class per D/S	50
15. Request for priority document	200
16. Conversion into national application per D/S	50
17. Request for classification of a trademark	50
18. Search fee (availability, status) per search	100
19. Extension of time limits
1st request	50
2nd request (same case)	100
3rd and further requests (same case)	200
20. Reduction of Designated States per state	50
21. Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate	100
22. Early publication of accepted application	200
23. Transmittal fee for notice of opposition	100
24. Request for hard copy of registration certificate	100
25. Fee for appeal	500

All fees are effective from 1 March 2026 and apply to all trademark filings and administrative actions under the ARIPO system. For full details, see the 2026 Edition of the Banjul Protocol on Marks.

Implications for SMEs & Brand Owners

Budget planning: expect higher costs for filings, renewals, and other administrative actions.
Faster registration: shorter examination timelines and clearer procedures accelerate trademark protection.
Digital filing ready: electronic filing improves efficiency and accessibility.
Exhibition priority: SMEs launching brands at trade shows can now leverage this new priority provision.

For guidance on filing strategies, opposition procedures, and fee management under the 2026 Protocol, SMEs and brand owners can consult the Africa IP SME Helpdesk.

Publication date: 1 March 2026 (Last updated on: 1 March 2026)
Author: European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency