Amendments to Trademark Laws
Jan 08, 2026
New Trade Marks Act Now in Force
Zambia’s new Trade Marks Act (Act No. 11 of 2023) came into force on 31 December 2025, replacing the 1958 legislation and marking a major modernisation of the country’s trade mark system. The new law aligns Zambia’s framework with international standards and introduces substantive examination, opposition procedures, and ten-year registration and renewal terms.
Key changes include the introduction of service mark protection, multi-class applications, recognition of well-known marks, and protection for collective marks and geographical indications. The Act also strengthens enforcement through civil, criminal, and border-control measures, and introduces clearer rules on use, cancellation, assignments, and licensing.
While the Act is now in force, the Registry is still updating its systems and the accompanying Regulations have yet to be published. International registrations designating Zambia remain unenforceable until implementing regulations for the Madrid Protocol are issued.
Source: www.spoor.com