Zambia Ushers in a New Era with Its Modernised Trade Marks Act
Important Topics
Zambia has enacted the Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023, fully replacing the country’s 1958 Act.
Zambia Ushers in a New Era with Its Modernised Trade Marks Act
Zambia has entered 2026 with a major structural overhaul of its trade mark legislation. The Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023, effective 31 December 2025, replaces the decades‑old 1958 Act. The modernised statute introduces:
- Registration of service marks (previously not possible)
- 10-year trade mark registration periods (previously only valid for 7 years)
- Multi-class applications
- Domestic Implementation of the Madrid Protocol
- Protection for well-known marks and strengthened trade mark enforcement mechanisms.
The reform positions Zambia as a more predictable and accessible jurisdiction for trade mark protection and is expected to streamline filing strategies for brand owners seeking regional consistency. Read more about the exciting changes here.
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