Tanzania is introducing significant amendments to the Trade and Service Marks Act (Cap. 326) and the Patents (Registration) Act. Currently at Bill stage, if adopted, these reforms would mark the most significant modernisation of the country’s intellectual property framework in decades.

Key proposed trade mark-related amendments include the following:

• ARIPO trade marks designating Tanzania would have direct legal effect, treated as domestic registrations.
• Statutory protection for well known marks, ensuring international brands are safeguarded even without a local presence, in line with Article 6bis of the Paris Convention and TRIPS obligations.
• Introduction of collective and certification marks, supporting associations, cooperatives, and product standards.

Key patent reforms:

• Extension of patent protection to 20 years from the filing date, aligning with TRIPS and international best practice.
• Strengthened utility model protection, offering clearer and more accessible safeguards for incremental innovations and local inventors.

If enacted, these measures would modernise Tanzania’s IP system, harmonising it with global standards while expanding protection for both domestic and international rights holders.