Introduction
One of the most common questions brand owners ask is: How much does trademark registration cost in Nigeria?
The honest answer is that trademark costs in Nigeria are not a single fixed number. They are made up of different components, some statutory and some professional, and they vary depending on the structure of the application.
This guide explains how trademark costs in Nigeria are structured, what factors influence them, and what applicants often misunderstand about pricing. It is written for Nigerian businesses, foreign companies, startups, and law firms seeking clarity without oversimplification.
Why There Is No Single “Trademark Cost” in Nigeria
Unlike some jurisdictions that publish standardized online filing fees, trademark registration in Nigeria operates through an agent-based system.
This means costs are influenced by:
- The structure of the application
- The number of classes filed
- The nature of the mark
- The level of professional involvement required
As a result, reputable trademark agents do not publish one-size-fits-all pricing because it does not reflect how the system works.
The Two Main Cost Components in Nigerian Trademark Registration
1. Official Registry Fees
These are statutory fees paid to the Trademarks Registry. They are government charges and apply at different stages of the registration process.
Official fees typically relate to:
- Filing the application
- Registration and certification
These fees are outside the control of trademark agents and are subject to administrative policy.
2. Professional Fees
Professional fees cover the legal and procedural work required to move a trademark application through the Registry.
This usually includes:
- Conducting and reviewing availability searches
- Preparing and applying correctly
- Monitoring publication
- Handling Registry correspondence
- Managing post-filing issues if they arise
For foreign applicants, professional representation is mandatory and not optional.
Key Factors That Influence Trademark Cost in Nigeria
Number of Classes Filed
Nigeria follows the Nice Classification system. Each class represents a distinct category of goods or services.
Filing in multiple classes increases both official and professional costs because each class is treated as a separate filing for administrative purposes.
Nigerian vs Foreign Applicants
Foreign applicants must appoint a local Nigerian trademark agent. This adds a professional handling layer that Nigerian applicants filing locally may not require in the same way.
Foreign filings are also more likely to involve additional coordination, portfolio alignment, and follow-up.
Whether Issues Arise During the Process
Trademark applications that proceed smoothly cost less to manage than those that face:
- Registry objections
- Conflicting marks
- Third-party oppositions
These situations require additional legal work and time.
Common Cost Misunderstandings
“Company registration protects my brand.”
Registering a business or company name with the Corporate Affairs Commission does not create trademark rights. Trademark protection is a separate legal process with its own costs.
“Government fees are the full cost.”
Official fees alone do not complete a trademark registration. Without professional handling, applications are more likely to be delayed, rejected, or poorly protected.
“One filing protects everything.”
Trademark protection is class-specific. Filing cheaply in the wrong class can cost more in the long term if the brand must be refiled correctly later.
Cost Transparency Without Fixed Pricing
Many Nigerian trademark agents, particularly those working with international clients, do not publish fixed prices in advance. This is standard practice and reflects the fact that trademark work is scoped, not commoditized.
A proper cost assessment is usually provided:
- After confirming the mark
- After confirming the class or classes
- After confirming the strategy
This approach protects both the client and the integrity of the filing.
How to Think About Trademark Cost Strategically
Trademark registration should be viewed as:
- A brand protection investment
- A risk management tool
- A long-term asset, not a transactional expense
The real cost is not what is paid at filing, but what it costs to fix mistakes, refile incorrectly protected marks, or enforce weak registrations later.
Next Steps
If you are evaluating trademark registration in Nigeria, the most effective next step is to understand the process first, then assess the cost based on your specific situation.
Professional cost guidance is best provided after reviewing the mark, scope, and filing strategy.
Prepared by Hectagon & Shields IP Practice
