Nauru – New Trade Marks Act in Force

The Nauru Trade Marks Act came into force in November 2020. However, due to an initial lack of official forms, or a procedure for payment of official fees, it has not been possible to file trade mark applications until now.

The new law allows for the registration of applications in a single class of goods or services; multiclass applications will not be permitted. It is an examination system, and the Registry can refuse applications on absolute or relative grounds.

Applications will be published for opposition purposes before registration, but with a very short opposition term of 21 days.

There is also a provision for registering collective trademarks but not certification trademarks.

Applications will be registered for a term of 10 years, calculated from the application date. The new law also refers to Annual Maintenance Fees, although as these are not listed in the schedule of official fees, the annual fees payable are currently unknown.