African IP Update: Your Lapsed Uganda Trademark – What To Do Now The 60-Day Deadline Has Passed

The critical 60-day deadline set by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has now passed. As of today, over 2,000 trademarks that had expired and were not renewed have likely been permanently removed from the national register.

If you were among the brand owners who missed this deadline, the situation is serious, but not necessarily hopeless. Your immediate priority must be to explore alternative strategies to protect your brand identity in the Ugandan market. For those with active marks, this event is a powerful reminder of the non-negotiable importance of vigilant trademark renewal practices.

The Consequence of Missing the URSB's Trademark Renewal Deadline in Uganda

The URSB's strict countdown, which began on the 11th of July, has concluded. As mandated by Uganda’s Trademarks Act, Cap 225, and the Trademarks Regulations of 2023, any mark not renewed within that 60-day window faced irrevocable deletion.

This action has freed up these brand names, logos, and slogans for any competitor or third party to legally register. As Maria Nyangoma, the Commissioner for Trademarks and Geographical Indications, had warned, this puts the original owner’s brand identity at serious risk, potentially erasing years of invested marketing, customer loyalty, and goodwill in the marketplace.

Your Path Forward: Filing a New Trademark Application in Uganda

If your trademark was among those that lapsed, the most critical and immediate action is to consider filing a new trademark application in Uganda. While your previous registration is now lost, the door is not completely closed. However, you must act with urgency.

The market is now aware that these marks are available, and the risk of a competitor filing an application before the original rights holder is high. A new application will establish a fresh filing date, and upon successful registration, will grant you a new term of protection. It is crucial to initiate this process quickly to try and secure your rights before anyone else.

Why Vigilant Trademark Management in Uganda is Essential

This event underscores a vital lesson for all businesses: a trademark is a vital business asset that requires proactive management. In Uganda, trademark registrations must be renewed every ten years. Failing to do so has now shown to have permanent and damaging consequences to your brand.

For those with active marks in Uganda, this is a call to action. Ensure you have a robust trademark portfolio tracking system for following renewal deadlines and official URSB notices. The process for a successful trademark renewal in Uganda involves monitoring expiry dates, preparing the correct forms, and settling the official Uganda trademark renewal fees on time.

Safeguard Your Legacy with Expert African IP Assistance from De Beer Attorneys

At De Beer Attorneys, we understand the immense value of your brand. As a South African-based firm with deep expertise in pan-African intellectual property law, we are positioned to assist clients navigate this complex situation.

• If you missed the deadline: Do not despair. We can act swiftly to assess the status of your mark and immediately commence the process of filing a new trademark application in Uganda on your behalf. Our expertise in trademark prosecution in Uganda ensures your application is prepared accurately to give you the best chance of reclaiming your brand rights.

• If your marks are active: Let us help you implement a fail-safe system for portfolio management, handling all renewals and deadlines so you never have to face this risk.

The recent mass deletion at the URSB is a stark warning. Your next step is critical. Contact De Beer Attorneys today for a consultation. We will provide a clear strategy to either secure your brand in Uganda through a fresh trademark application or protect your existing assets through vigilant trademark renewal management. Contact us today at info@debeerattorneys.com

This information was last updated on 19 September 2025. This information is for general educational and entertainment purposes and is subject to change at any time.