Sierra Leone

Capital: Freetown
Population: 5 million
Major languages: English, Krio (a Creole language derived from English) and a range of African languages
Major religions: Islam, indigenous beliefs, Christianity
Form of government: Multiparty republic
Monetary unit: 1 Leone = 100 cents
Main exports: Diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish
Internet domain: .sl
Time zone: GMT
International dialling code: +232

TRADE MARKS

International Arrangements:

Sierra leone is a member of the Paris Convention, and Madrid Union (Agreement and Protocol). However, there is no provision in the legislation relating to international arrangements. It is not possible, therefore, to claim Convention Priority, whilst it is doubtful that International registrations are enforceable.

Categories of Trade Marks:

There are provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION MARKS and SERIES MARKS

There are no provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS or DEFENSIVE MARKS, (although any DEFENSIVE MARK registered in the United Kingdom is entitled to registration under the special trade mark provisions).

Classification:

The old British Classification of 50 classes of goods applies.

A separate application is required for each class of goods.

Documents required:

A. New Applications

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Printing block and 6 prints, even for word marks in ordinary type.
• Certified copy of corresponding U.K. registration if goods are of cotton and fall in Classes 23, 24 or 25 or if registration is based on a corresponding U.K. registration.

B. Renewals

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Proof of renewal of basic U.K. registration (if applicable).

C. Assignments/Mergers

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title with verified English translation, or proof of recordal of assignment of basic registration in U.K. (if applicable).

D. Change of Name

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation, or proof of recordal of change of name against basic U.K. registration (if applicable).

E. Change of Address

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Proof of recordal of change of address against basic U.K registration (if applicable).

F. Licences/Registered Users

• In case of independent trade marks, no provisions exist for the recordal of licences.

 

In the case of registrations based on corresponding U.K. registrations the documents required are as follows:

• Powers of Attorney (not legalised) from proprietor and licensee.
• Proof of recordal of registered user against basic U.K. registration.

PATENTS

International arrangements:

• Paris Union (from 17 June 1997)
• WIPO (from 18 May 1986)
• PCT (from 17 June 1997)
• ARIPO (from 18 May 2000)

Note: The law in Sierra Leone has not yet been amended to recognise the PCT or ARIPO. Although ARIPO applications designating Sierra Leone are filed and accepted, we cannot guarantee that enforceable rights will be granted. Re-registration of a granted UK or European (UK) patent is recommended at this time.

 

Types of Patents available:

• Re-registration of granted UK or European (UK) patent
• National Phase PCT application
• ARIPO application
• ARIPO Regional Phase PCT application

Novelty requirement:

Applications for the local re-registration of granted UK or European (UK) patents must be lodged within three years of the grant of the basic UK or European (UK) patent.

Filing requirements:

Re-registration of granted UK or European (UK) Patent:

• Power of Attorney (simply signed) (required on the day of filing)
• Form of Application (simply signed) (required on the day of filing)
• Two copies of granted UK or European (UK) patent (required on the day of filing)
• Certificate from the British Comptroller giving particulars of the granted British patent

National Phase PCT application:

Sierra Leone has acceded to the PCT, however no new law has been enacted which would recognise or allow for the filing of PCT applications, nor have filing requirements for such application been specified. However, in practice the Registrar allows the lodging of PCT applications which will be dealt with when the new law is enacted.

Grant:

The patent remains in force for so long as the UK patent on which it is based remains in force. No renewal fees are payable. The term of an ARIPO patent will be twenty years from the filing date.