RepealOther

Directive for the Evaluation and Granting of Licenses by Evaluating the Competency of Trademark Agents

MoJ1056/2025

Summary

This directive establishes procedures for evaluating the competency and licensing of trademark agents in Ethiopia, repealing the previous directive No. 2/2018. It outlines application processes, registration requirements, examination procedures, and the disciplinary measures for trademark agents.

Who's affected

Individuals seeking to become licensed trademark agents and existing trademark agents.

Action required

Individuals wishing to become trademark agents must review the requirements, submit the application form with supporting documents, and pass the competency examination unless they hold a valid advocacy license. Existing agents must adhere to the obligations outlined in the directive.

Key points

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  • The directive repeals Directive No. 2/2018.
  • It sets new standards for competency evaluation and licensing of trademark agents.
  • Applicants must pass an examination unless they hold a valid advocacy license.
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    • Specific educational and experience requirements are detailed.
    • Prohibitions and conditions for registration are outlined.
    • The roles and responsibilities of the Agents Competency Evaluation Committee and Agents Discipline Committee are defined.
    • Rights and obligations of trademark agents are specified.
    • Procedures for cancellation, suspension, and abandonment of registration are established.

Requirements

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  • Submission of application form with supporting documents (educational certificate, proof of service, advocacy license if applicable, payment receipt, work permit for foreign nationals, photographs).
  • Possession of middle-level education and at least three years of experience in trademark-related activities, OR a first degree in law and at least two years of work experience.
  • Passing the competency evaluation examination, unless holding a valid advocacy license.
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    • Registration by the Authority.
    • Payment of prescribed fees.
    • Adherence to the Authority's directives and working procedures.
    • Acting with integrity and upholding ethical standards.
    • Providing accurate information to clients.
    • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
    • Renewal of the certificate of agency annually.
    • Collection of the certificate within six months of passing the examination.
    • Members of the Agents Competency Evaluation Committee must maintain confidentiality.
    • Members of the Agents Discipline Committee must be elected or designated according to procedures.

Rights and permissions

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  • The right to be granted a license upon meeting competency and ethical standards.
  • The right to submit grievances regarding the outcome of the evaluation examination.
  • The right to obtain a competency certificate upon passing the examination or holding a valid advocacy license.
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    • The right to request the disclosure of identity on the Authority's website.
    • The right to appeal decisions of the Agents Discipline Committee.
    • Agents may be re-elected or re-designated for additional terms on the Agents Discipline Committee.

Restrictions

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  • Civil servants cannot be registered as agents during their employment.
  • Former employees of the Authority cannot apply for registration as an agent until one year has elapsed from termination of employment.
  • Registered agents cannot handle cases they examined as an expert or tribunal examiner during their employment with the Authority.
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    • Failure to perform obligations or substantiated grievances may lead to license suspension.
    • Registration can be cancelled if obtained through deceptive evidence, not renewed, or abandoned.
    • Registration is deemed abandoned if a certificate is not collected within six months.
    • Agents must respect the directives and working procedures of the Authority.
    • Agents must act with integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards.
    • Agents must provide accurate information to clients.
    • Agents must comply with applicable laws and regulations.
    • Agents must pay required service fees.

Penalties

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  • Cancellation of registration for fraudulent acts, unlawful conduct, submission of deceptive evidence, or non-renewal.
  • Suspension of an agent's license for a period of 6 to 9 months for failure to perform obligations or substantiated grievances.
  • Any directive, working procedure, or practice that contravenes this Directive shall not apply.

Objectives

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  • To grant licenses to professionals with high competence and ethical standards in trademark agency services.
  • To establish a balance between the competency levels of registered trademark agents and their service provision.
  • To make the role of trademark agents accessible through efficient and effective trademark registration processes.
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    • To repeal the existing Trademark Agents Directive.

Organizations

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  • Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority
  • Ministry of Justice

Legal references

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  • Article 59 of the Council of Ministers’ Trademarks Registration and Protection Regulations No. 273/2012
  • Trademark Registration and Protection Proclamation No. 501/2006
  • Council of Ministers’ Trademark Registration and Protection Regulation No. 273/2012
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    • Article 51 of the Regulations
    • Article 2 of the Proclamation
    • Article 2 of the Regulation
    • Article 53 of the Regulations
    • Agents Competency Evaluation Examination Directive No. 2/2018
Original sourcehttps://justice.gov.et/en/directives/directive-for-the-evaluation-and-granting-of-licenses-by-evaluating-the-competency-of-trademark-agents-directive-no-1056-2025-2/
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