A trademark protects your brand — your name, logo or slogan — from being used by others. Registering a business name does not automatically protect your brand as a trademark; they are separate. Here is how trademark registration works in Ghana.
What can you register?
Words, logos, slogans and other distinctive marks that identify your goods or services. The mark must be distinctive and not conflict with an existing registered mark.
What you need
The mark itself (the exact wording or a clear image of the logo), the class(es) of goods or services it covers, and the applicant’s details. Ghana uses an international classification system, so choosing the right class matters.
The process
A search is done to check the mark is available, the application is filed with the Registrar-General’s Department, it is examined and published, and — if unopposed — the mark proceeds to registration. Protection then runs for years and is renewable.
Why it is worth it
A registered trademark is a business asset. It stops competitors trading off your name, and it is essential before you invest heavily in marketing a brand.
Register your trademark with NELLA and protect your brand.