---
title: "Sierra Leone: Trade Mark Regulations 2024"
description: "Published as Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2024, Sierra Leone's Trade Mark Regulations 2024 have now been implemented by the local Registry."
image: https://spoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sierra-Leone-Trade-Mark-regulations-2024-e1772629782384.jpg
canonical: https://spoor.com/ja/sierra-leone-trade-mark-regulations/
url: https://spoor.getmd.ai/ja/sierra-leone-trade-mark-regulations/.md
last_converted: 2026-05-18T03:44:18.620Z
---

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Sierra Leone: Trade Mark Regulations 2024 – Now Implemented

# Sierra Leone: Trade Mark Regulations 2024 – Now Implemented

Spoor＆Fisher
- 5 3月 2026

Published as Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2024, Sierra Leone’s Trade Mark Regulations 2024 have now been implemented by the local Registry as from early January 2026.

The Regulations introduce some long overdue guidance as to the processing of trade mark applications, oppositions, renewals and recordals under the Trade Marks Act 2014. The most notable changes are set out below:

## Provisions relating to the handling of Madrid Protocol applications

The Regulations seek to give effect to International Registrations (‘IR’) designating Sierra Leone and contain a detailed framework for the processing of the same. Some key points to note are:

- A positive obligation on the local Registry to examine IRs on absolute and relative grounds

- The deadline to respond to a provisional refusal has been set at 3 months from the date of WIPO’s notification to the IR holder

- A local representative in Sierra Leone must be appointed in order to respond to a provisional refusal

- The publication of IRs designating Sierra Leone will be handled by WIPO

- Opposition to an IR designating Sierra Leone must be filed within 3 months from the date of publication. The holder will then have 3 months from the date of notification by WIPO to file a counterstatement

- Express provisions for replacement, transformation, division and merges of IRs.

Notwithstanding the above, the primary legislation (the Trade Marks Act 2014) does not contain any express provisions adopting the Madrid Protocol, and therefore, we still have serious fundamental concerns as to the validity and enforceability of IRs designating Sierra Leone. Further, it remains to be seen how effectively the local Registry will follow the new provisions relating to IRs under the Regulations.

## Clarification of procedural matters for national trade marks

Express provisions under the Regulations has brought some welcome clarity for trade mark formalities matters, including the following:

- Series applications are now provided for

- Marks without colour limit are deemed for all colours

- Multi priority claims are acceptable

- There is a 3 months deadline for submitting priority documents

- Renewal applications can be filed within 6 months of the expiry date of the registration and notice of the renewal is to be published.

## Prescribed forms and fees

Mandatory forms have been introduced for most trade mark matters such as, new applications, renewals, change of address for service, recordals, filing a notice of opposition, and for a counterstatement in opposition proceedings. Any requests not in the correct form may be rejected by the Registry.

The Regulations also seek to introduce new fees, including new requirements for publication and registration fees. However, we understand that the Registry has not introduced the fees as they appear in the Regulations at this time and there will instead be a fee review under the ‘Finance Act 2026’ which is expected to be introduced later in the year.

For any further details or advice concerning trade mark protection in Sierra Leone, please [お問い合わせ](https://spoor.com/contact-us/). Visit the interactive map on our [地域](https://spoor.com/regions/africa/) page for more information on IP law in Sierra Leone and other African countries, or find out more about our [trade mark expertise in Africa](https://spoor.com/service/trade-marks/).