Ghana

Capital: Accra
Population: 19.5 million
Major languages: English, indigenous African languages
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Form of government: Multiparty republic
Monetary unit: 1 Cedi = 100 pesewas
Main exports: Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminium, manganese ore, diamonds
Internet domain: .gh
Time zone: GMT
International dialling code: +233
TRADE MARKS

International Arrangements:

Ghana is a member of the Paris Union. However, it has not yet published a Convention Countries Order concerning trade marks and it is not possible, therefore, to claim convention priority.

Categories of Trade Marks:

There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS, SERIES MARKS and SERVICE MARKS.

Classification:

The International Classification of goods and services applies.

A separate application is required for each class of goods or services.

Documents required:

A. New Applications

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• 10 prints, except for word marks in ordinary type.

 

B. Renewals

• No documents required.

 

C. Assignments/Mergers

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified English translation.

 

D. Change of Name

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation.

 

E. Change of Address

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).

 

F. Licences/Registered Users

• Powers of Attorney (not legalised) from proprietor and licensee.
• Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation.
• Licence Agreement, with verified English translation.

 

PATENTS

International arrangements:

• Paris Union (from 28 September 1976)
• WIPO (from 12 June 1976)
• ARIPO (from 25 April 1984)
• PCT (from 26 February 1997)

 

Types of Patents available:

• Patents of Invention
• National Phase PCT application
• ARIPO application
• ARIPO Regional Phase PCT application

 

Novelty requirements:

Absolute novelty is required. However, novelty will not be destroyed if the disclosure of the invention to the public occurred not earlier than twelve months preceding the filing date or where applicable the priority date, and it was as a consequence of:

• acts committed by the applicant or his predecessor in title, or
• an abuse committed by a third party with regard to the applicant or his predecessor in title.

 

Patentability:

Diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical methods for the treatment of humans and animals are not patentable. However products for use in any such methods may be patented.
Filing requirements:

Patents of Invention (Non-PCT):

• Power of Attorney (simply signed) (can be late filed, no set deadline)
• Specification, claims and abstract in English (required on the day of filing)
• Formal drawings, if applicable (required on the day of filing)
• Assignment of Invention (can be late filed, no set deadline)
• Priority document with verified English translation (can be late filed within three months)

 

National Phase PCT application:

• Power of Attorney (simply signed) (can be late filed, no set deadline)
• Specification, claims and abstract in English (required on the day of filing)
• Formal drawings, if applicable (required on the day of filing)
• Assignment of Invention (can be late filed, no set deadline)
• Copy of International Publication (required on day of filing)
• Copy of International Search Report (can be late filed, no set deadline)
• Copy of International Preliminary Report on Patentability (can be late filed, no set deadline)

Grant:
The term of a patent is twenty years from the filing date. Renewal fees fall due annually commencing on the first anniversary of the filing date.