Turn this guide into your personal checklist.
Track documents and steps on this device. No account is needed and your progress stays in this browser.
Online, physical or both?
Use the official online route
Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing. Then file the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date.
A physical/assisted step may still apply
The current sources for Register a trademark do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use NIPO's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class
- Why you need it
- Used to locate the taxpayer record connected to the transaction.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Applicant or company name, address and nationality
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Keep this ready before starting. The verified guide lists it as a prerequisite even though the official source does not tie it to one numbered step.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
A clear representation of the mark
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Authorisation or power of attorney for the accredited agent filing the application
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: File the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing.
- The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class
- A clear representation of the mark
- Authorisation or power of attorney for the accredited agent filing the application
Make sure the displayed record is the correct person/entity and that the information matches the evidence you are using.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
File the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date.
- Authorisation or power of attorney for the accredited agent filing the application
- The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Track examination and respond to any refusal, query or correction raised by the Registry before acceptance.
No additional document is specifically tied to this step in the verified guide. Use the full checklist above and follow the official prompt.
Read the next screen or office instruction before moving on; do not assume an extra payment, document or visit is required unless the responsible agency asks for it.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
After acceptance, confirm publication in the Nigerian Trademark Journal and allow the statutory two-month opposition period to run.
- The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class
Make sure the displayed record is the correct person/entity and that the information matches the evidence you are using.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
If no opposition succeeds, pay the certificate-stage fee through the official NIPO route and retain the issued registration certificate.
No additional document is specifically tied to this step in the verified guide. Use the full checklist above and follow the official prompt.
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
If no opposition succeeds, pay the certificate-stage fee through the official NIPO route and retain the issued registration certificate.
NIPO's SLA lists 24 hours for preliminary search and filing stages, but full registration also includes examination, journal publication and a two-month opposition period.
Use NIPO's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Quick answers about Register a trademark
Direct answers to the questions people commonly search for, using the same verified fee, requirements, route and timeline shown in this guide.
How much does Register a trademark cost in 2026?
NIPO filing and certificate fees apply — NIPO's current service schedule lists separate charges for availability search, filing and certificate issuance. Confirm the live invoice before payment.
What do I need for Register a trademark?
The current verified checklist includes The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class, Applicant or company name, address and nationality, and A clear representation of the mark. Open the requirements section below for the complete list and any service-specific evidence.
Can I do Register a trademark online?
Mostly online. Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing. Then file the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date. The current sources for Register a trademark do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How long does Register a trademark take?
NIPO's SLA lists 24 hours for preliminary search and filing stages, but full registration also includes examination, journal publication and a two-month opposition period.
Where do I start Register a trademark?
Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing. Then file the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date.
Important notes
- NIPO states that online trademark, patent and design filings are handled through certified agents.
- Trademark registration is different from CAC business-name or company registration; CAC registration does not itself create a trademark right.
- A colour-specific filing can limit protection to the registered colours, according to NIPO's trademark guidance.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- The proposed word mark, logo or other distinctive sign and the correct trademark class — Other requirement
- Applicant or company name, address and nationality — Identity / account detail
- A clear representation of the mark — Other requirement
- Authorisation or power of attorney for the accredited agent filing the application — Eligibility / prerequisite
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Mostly online. Check the proposed mark through NIPO's preliminary search route and identify the correct trademark class before filing. Then file the trademark application through a NIPO-accredited agent and keep the official acknowledgement number and filing date.
The current sources for Register a trademark do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How much does this service cost?
NIPO filing and certificate fees apply — NIPO's current service schedule lists separate charges for availability search, filing and certificate issuance. Confirm the live invoice before payment.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
NIPO's SLA lists 24 hours for preliminary search and filing stages, but full registration also includes examination, journal publication and a two-month opposition period.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for Register a trademark: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: If no opposition succeeds, pay the certificate-stage fee through the official NIPO route and retain the issued registration certificate.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use NIPO's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- NIPO states that online trademark, patent and design filings are handled through certified agents.
- Trademark registration is different from CAC business-name or company registration; CAC registration does not itself create a trademark right.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-10-01. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
See something outdated?
Correction reporting is checked only when you choose to report an issue, keeping normal guide loads lighter.