Trademarks · 5 min read
Trademark Registration - Protect Your Brand Locally & Globally
Your CAC name does NOT protect your brand. Here's how trademarks work in Nigeria, the US, and globally via Madrid Protocol.
One of the most expensive mistakes Nigerian founders make: assuming the CAC business name registration also protects their brand. It does not. Anyone in another sector can register the same name, file a trademark, and sue you for using it.
Nigerian Trademark (IPO Trademark Registry)
- Filed in classes (the Nice Classification system has 45)
- Protection lasts 7 years initially, renewable for 14-year periods
- Takes 18–24 months end-to-end, but you can claim 'TM' status from filing
- You must search the registry first - many filings get rejected for conflicts
US Trademark (USPTO)
Critical if you sell on Amazon (Brand Registry requires it), Etsy, Shopify, or to US enterprise clients. Filed at USPTO, takes 8–14 months. Foreign applicants MUST use a US-licensed attorney.
Global protection via Madrid Protocol
Instead of filing country by country, the WIPO Madrid Protocol lets you file once and designate 130+ countries. Far cheaper than separate filings. Nigeria is NOT a Madrid member yet, so a Nigerian filing is still needed locally.
File before someone else does
Trademark squatters watch CAC filings and trending brands. The first to file wins, not the first to use. Done-For-You or Do-It-Yourself - AMG handles or guides every step. Call/WhatsApp 07038857441, 08103483669, 08158014880 or email growwithaccolade@gmail.com / theaccoladesmedia@gmail.com. Join the WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBpOtL4IBhKWQtHSs3Z. Fees and timelines update through 2026 - confirm the latest with an AMG agent before paying.