The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) has adopted amendments to the Banjul Protocol on Marks and its Implementing Regulations, effective 1 March 2026, affecting new and pending applications as well as existing registrations. Key updates include:

• Increased official application, designation, registration, and renewal fees: Electronic application fees doubled from 80 USD to 160 USD and paper application fees from 100 USD to 200 USD. Registration per state (first class) fees increased from 100 USD to 150 USD, while renewals per state (first class) increased from 100 USD to 200 USD. Designation fees for an additional class per state doubled from 10 USD to 20 USD, and a new surcharge of 10 USD applies for goods specifications exceeding 50 words.
• New regulations and online filing: Updated Implementing Regulations introduce mandatory 2026 forms and expanded provisions for electronic filing via ARIPO’s online platform;
• Shorter refusal period: The refusal window has been reduced from nine to six months, potentially speeding up prosecution;
• Exhibition priority introduced: Applicants may now formally claim a six-month exhibition priority for marks displayed at recognised international exhibitions;
• Clearer time-limit rules: A detailed framework for calculating procedural deadlines has been introduced;
• Revised opposition procedure: The opposition process has been updated with a transmittal fee, clearer deadlines, and improved coordination with designated states; and
• Language clarified: English is now the official language of proceedings before ARIPO.

Trade mark owners are advised to review the updated procedures, revised timelines, and the increased official fees.