Trademarks IP Regime in Uganda: URSB TALK SHOW 23 FEB 2019

Описание: The 1883 Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property is the International Legal Instrument that stipulates provisions applicable to the recognition and enforcement of Trademarks registered in country of Origin. Uganda is a contracting party to the Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property, 1883, and its domestic legislation which is the 2010 trademarks act recognises the provisions of this convention.

The law in Uganda recognizes the principal of territoriality as expressed in Article 6 of the Paris Convention but does not forbid the registration of a trademark on the ground that it could be registered elsewhere; however, it accords a right to register by an owner registered in a country of origin. When an application for registration of a trademark is made, it has to be published and the law gives any person the right to give notice of opposition/ objection to the registration of the mark sought to be registered and it is published for the public to have an opportunity to object to it.

The term Trade-dress is the local feel of a product, its shape, packaging and design that signify the sources of the products to the consumers. On the other hand, Trademarks are brand names which are labelled to products and services. The mark is a distinguished sign like a word, phrase, symbol or a combination of these elements. It’s used in the business to indicate the source of the brand in order to distinguish and identify it in markets. A trademark is supposed to protect the customers by preventing public confusion as to the origin or quality of the product.

1. Gilbert Agaba: Manager Intellectual Property (URSB)
2. Harriet Nabuduwa: Legal officer, Enforcement Unit, URSB and Assistant Superintendent of police.