Tunisia Trademark registration
In Tunisia the legal basis is the Trademark Law No. 36-2001 of April 17th, 2001. Trademark protection is obtained by registration. It can also be acquired by sufficient public recognition.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Institut National de la Normalisation et de la Propriété Industrielle (INNORPI) by a local agent. A non-legalized power of attorney is sufficient. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 15 months from first filing to registration. Before registration, the trademark application is published in the monthly Patent Office Gazette “Al-Muwassafat”. The opposition period is 2 months from publication date of the application.
Duration
A trademark registration in Tunisia is valid for 10 years and starts from filing date (with registration date). The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.