Vanuatu

Lysaght offers a complete IP service in this country, assisting clients in the filing, registration, recordal and renewal of their IP rights. For further information and our prices, please e-mail us with your specific enquiry.
TRADE MARK INFORMATION
Classification	International, Nice 10^th Edition Multi-class Goods and services can be registered
Priority	Convention priority can be claimed, even though Vanuatu is not a member of the Paris Convention
Renewal	10 years from the filing date, and every 10 years thereafter There is a 3-month grace period
Proof of use	Non-use of a trade mark for a period of 3 years from filing renders it vulnerable to an action for cancellation by third parties. Such an action, however, cannot be brought until a period of 5 years from the filing date has passed
PATENT INFORMATION
Types of Patent	The Patents Act 2003 is finally now fully in force, and the "Registration of UK Patents Act (CAP. 80)" has been repealed such that it is no longer possible to file new applications for the reregistration of granted UK patents. The 2003 Act provides for the registration of substantive (local) patents with or without priority claims
Priority	Convention priority may be claimed
Duration	20 years from the local filing date
Annuities	Renewal fees are finally now payable in respect of Vanuatu patents. The law provides that renewal fees are payable annually from the local filing date, in order to maintain the patent in force.
DESIGN INFORMATION
Priority	Convention priority can be claimed
Duration	10 years from the filing date, extensible by a further period of 10 years
Renewal	A single renewal fee is payable on the 10^th anniversary of the filing date There is a 3-month grace period