More than 2,000 registered trademarks in Uganda risk being permanently deleted from the national register unless owners take urgent steps to renew them, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has announced.
The Bureau has issued a 60-day deadline for all trademark holders with expired registrations to comply with the renewal requirements or lose their legal protections and brand ownership rights.
The affected marks have lapsed due to non-compliance with the renewal process as prescribed under the Trademarks Act, Cap 225, and the Trademarks Regulations, 2023.
URSB officials have emphasized that failure to renew within the stipulated window will result in permanent deletion, creating an opportunity for third parties to legally register similar trademarks.
“Once a trademark is deleted, others can claim rights to that name or a similar one, putting the original owner’s brand identity at serious risk,” warned Maria Nyangoma, the outgoing Commissioner for Trademarks and Geographical Indications at URSB.
The Bureau is calling on all trademark owners, including businesses, institutions, and legal practitioners, to urgently verify the status of their trademarks and initiate the renewal process.
The full list of expired trademarks is available on the URSB website. Officials stressed that this is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a critical step in safeguarding brand value, market recognition, and legal protection.
“Don’t let your brand be vulnerable. You can do this by acting now to protect your legacy,” said Gilbert Agaba, the outgoing Commissioner for Intellectual Property, who underscored the need for timely renewals to maintain a strong market presence.
URSB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of intellectual property rights in Uganda and urged all rightsholders to take immediate action to avoid losing hard-earned brand equity.
