Following the signing of Statutory Instrument No. 86 of 2025 by the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry on 26 December 2025, the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) announced that the Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 has now fully taken effect.

The new Act repeals the outdated 1958 Trade Marks Act (Chapter 401) replacing it with a modern, internationally aligned framework for trade mark protection and administration in Zambia.

Key features of the new act include:

• Enhanced protection of trade marks, including explicit recognition of well known marks
• Service marks can now be registered alongside traditional trade marks
• All marks are valid for 10 years, regardless of the application date
• Multi-class applications are permitted, although official fees remain calculated per class
• Geographical indications are introduced to support value addition, market differentiation, and rural development
• International registrations under the Madrid Protocol may now designate Zambia, allowing the country to be included in international trade mark applications filed through the system
• Stronger enforcement mechanisms and border measures are introduced to curb counterfeiting and infringement
• Procedural reforms are expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery

Owing to the ongoing digitisation challenges at PACRA, a cautious ‘wait and see’ strategy is considered advisable for the year ahead.