---
title: "ARIPO Banjul Protocol Amendments effective 1 March 2026"
description: "ARIPO has adopted amendments to the Banjul Protocol, with effect from 1 March 2026. Found out what this means and how it affects brand owners."
image: https://spoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARIPO-Banjul-Protocol-scaled-e1772524425515.png
canonical: https://spoor.com/aripo-banjul-protocol/
url: https://spoor.getmd.ai/aripo-banjul-protocol/.md
last_converted: 2026-04-30T09:52:34.122Z
---

[Home](https://spoor.com)
› [Knowledge Centre](https://spoor.com/knowledge-centre/)
›
[Legal Updates/](https://spoor.com/knowledge-centre/legal-updates/)

›
ARIPO Banjul Protocol Amendments effective 1 March 2026

# ARIPO Banjul Protocol Amendments effective 1 March 2026

Spoor & Fisher
- 3 March 2026

ARIPO has adopted amendments to the Banjul Protocol, with effect from 1 March 2026.

The regional trade mark filing structure remains intact.  Applications continue to be filed centrally through ARIPO, designated to selected Contracting States, and examined in each designated jurisdiction under national law.  Protection remains territorial in effect in the States designated.

These developments focus on procedural consolidation and tighter sequencing of time limits rather than structural reform of the system itself.

## Shorter national examination window

A significant operational development concerns the examination period at Designated State level.  Contracting States now have 6 months from notification by ARIPO to communicate acceptance, conditional acceptance or refusal. This represents a shorter examination window.

## Registration fee sequencing

Following publication and/or determination of opposition, ARIPO invites payment of the registration fee.

Under these amendments, the fee must be paid within 3 months from notification, failing which the application lapses.

## Opposition remains unchanged in duration

The opposition period remains 3 months from publication, and no extension is available for filing opposition.  Opposition proceedings continue to be determined under the national law of the designated State concerned.

## Exhibition priority clarified

The Protocol now sets out the requirements for claiming exhibition priority.

Where a mark has been displayed at an officially recognised international exhibition, the application must be filed within 6 months from the date of first display, and the supporting exhibition certificate must be filed within 2 months from the filing date.

This provides a defined procedural route for applicants relying on exhibition-based priority.

## Electronic filing embedded within the system

Electronic filing is formally integrated into the regulatory structure.

The Director General retains authority to prescribe forms, formats, authentication standards and administrative processes through Administrative instructions.  Contracting States are not obliged to receive electronic filings unless they have notified readiness.

## What this means for brand owners

The ARIPO Banjul Protocol amendments do not alter the structure of the ARIPO system.  They clarify procedural sequencing and align time-limit consequences across the Regulations. The result is a clearly defined set of statutory deadlines and obligations.

For rights holders, the practical implications include:

- A 6-month examination period at designated State level;

- Clearly prescribed reconsideration and opposition time frames;

- Registration fee payment within a shorter statutory period following notification; and

- Express requirements for exhibition priority claims.

The ARIPO system continues to provide a centralised mechanism for securing trade mark protection across multiple African jurisdictions.  These amendments underscore the importance of timely instructions, structured monitoring and coordinated portfolio management.

For advice on how the amendments may affect your filing or enforcement strategy across ARIPO member states, please [contact us](mailto:info@spoor.co.uk). Learn more about [ARIPO Patents](https://spoor.com/regions/africa/aripo-patents/) and [ARIPO Registered Designs](https://spoor.com/regions/africa/aripo-registered-designs/), view our [legal updates](https://spoor.com/knowledge-centre/legal-updates/) or visit the interactive map on our [Regions](https://spoor.com/regions/africa/) page for more information on IP law in Africa.