Over 2,000 Trademarks Risk Facing Permanent Deletion, URSB Warns

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has revealed that more than 2,000 trademarks are at risk of permanent deletion from the national register due to expiration.

Trademark holders across Uganda now face an urgent deadline: they have just 60 days to renew their expired marks or lose their legal protections and brand identities forever.

The issue arises from a failure of trademark owners to maintain their registrations, as required by the Trademarks Act, Cap 225, and the Trademarks Regulations, 2023. With the deadline fast approaching, URSB officials stress that any trademarks not renewed within this critical window will be permanently removed, allowing competitors to legally register similar marks. This could result in significant losses for businesses, stripping them of years of established brand equity and market trust.

“Once a trademark is deleted, others can claim rights to that name or a similar one, putting the original owner’s brand identity at serious risk,” warns Maria Nyangoma, the out-going commissioner Trademarks and Geographical Indications

The organization is urging all trademark owners, especially businesses and legal practitioners, to take immediate action: verify the status of their trademarks and initiate the renewal process without delay.

The complete list of expired trademarks can be found on the URSB website, and trademark renewal is more than just a bureaucratic formality; it’s a vital investment in maintaining competitive ends and customer recognition.

Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) highlights that this is a time-sensitive chance to protect valuable intellectual property.

“Don’t let your brand be vulnerable, and you can do this by acting now to protect your legacy,” Gilbert Agaba, the out-going commissioner intellectual property concluded, stressing the importance of timely renewal in maintaining a strong market presence.