B2B documentation management and litigation strategy aligned with the Patents and Designs Act of Nigeria. We protect your intellectual assets across all jurisdictions.
The Patents and Designs Act of Nigeria governs the registration, protection, and enforcement of patents and industrial designs. It sets out the criteria for patentability, the application process, the rights conferred to the holder, and the remedies available in case of infringement. The Act also establishes the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry as the administering body.
A standard patent application in Nigeria typically takes 12 to 24 months from filing to grant, depending on the complexity of the invention and the completeness of the documentation. Expedited examination is not available under the current framework, so early filing and thorough preparation are strongly advised.
Yes, you may file a trademark application directly with the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry. However, the process involves a formal search, classification of goods or services, publication, and potential opposition. Engaging a licensed IP agent or attorney reduces the risk of procedural errors and improves the chances of successful registration.
A patent protects a new, inventive, and industrially applicable product or process. An industrial design protects the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article, such as its shape, pattern, or configuration. Both are registered under the same Act but follow separate application procedures and have different terms of protection.
Enforcement typically begins with a cease-and-desist letter, followed by negotiation or mediation. If that fails, you may file a claim at the Federal High Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over IP disputes. Remedies include injunctions, damages, accounts of profits, and orders for delivery up of infringing goods. Early documentation and legal counsel are critical.
Still have questions? Contact our IP team at info@pikturat.com or call 0909 604 5792.
Visual Evidence
Official submission of a patent specification under the Patents and Designs Act. The form includes claims, abstract, and drawings as required by the Registry.
Issued by the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry after successful examination and publication. The certificate confirms exclusive rights to the mark.
Compilation of evidence, prior art searches, and legal briefs prepared for a trademark defense proceeding in a Nigerian federal high court.
Internal tool for monitoring patent expiration dates, renewal deadlines, and licensing agreements across multiple jurisdictions in Nigeria.
Executed contract between patent holder and licensee, detailing royalty terms, field of use restrictions, and dispute resolution clauses under Nigerian law.
Formal notice opposing a published trademark application on grounds of likelihood of confusion. Filed with the Registry and served to the applicant.