Zanzibar: Significant fee increases for IP services now in effect

With effect from 11 August 2025, the Zanzibar Industrial Property Office (ZIPO) has implemented a substantially revised schedule of official fees for trade marks, patents, industrial designs, and geographical indications.

These changes, which were published in the Zanzibar Government Gazette on 18 July 2025, introduce fee increases ranging from 50% to over 300%, depending on the service. The updated schedule also adds new charges for certain procedures, including association fees and opposition hearing fees, which were not previously itemised.

What this means for rights holders

The new rates apply retrospectively to all pending and new applications where fees were not paid before 11 August 2025. This means that applications, renewals, and recordals filed prior to this date but left unpaid are now subject to the higher fee structure.

This shift could significantly increase costs for rights holders, especially where:

• Multiple applications were filed close to the cut-off date

• Renewals or assignments are still in progress

• New filings in Zanzibar are planned in the near future

Recommended actions

To mitigate costs and ensure compliance, we recommend that clients:

• Review current portfolios for unpaid applications or renewals in Zanzibar;

• Validate pending payments against the new fee structure;

• Act promptly to finalise filings or seek clarification where needed.

Need assistance?

If you would like guidance on navigating Zanzibar’s revised fee regime - or advice on the implications for your broader IP strategy - please let us know.

Contact us today for support with filings, renewals, or fee verification in Zanzibar.