Middle East & Africa

Tanzania

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Tanzania.

Authority

BRELA

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Non-member

BRELA Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Tanzania
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Tanzania

Tanzania's key sectors include tourism, mining (gold, tanzanite), agriculture, and infrastructure. IP managed by BRELA. Tanzania is an **ARIPO member** — a single ARIPO application covers Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, and other member states. PCT supported (30 months). Tanzania has **not joined Madrid** — direct BRELA filing required for trademarks.

ARIPO Patent (African Regional Patent) ▾

Single ARIPO application covering Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda, etc. (must designate each); 20-year term. Most efficient for multi-state East African protection.

Source: ARIPO (www.aripo.org) — Harare Protocol

Tanzania National Patent Application ▾

Direct BRELA national filing in English; 20-year term. PCT national phase: 30 months.

Source: BRELA; WIPO PCT Guide — TZ

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Tanzania

Tanzanian trademarks managed by BRELA; initial 7-year term, renewals 10 years. **Tanzania has not joined Madrid** — direct BRELA filing in English required.

Trademark Application Route ▾

Must file directly with BRELA (no Madrid support). English. Initial 7-year term, renewals 10 years.

Source: BRELA; WIPO

Patent Annuity

Tanzania Patent Annuities

ARIPO annuities to ARIPO; national annuities to BRELA; grace period available.

Source: ARIPO; BRELA fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Tanzania Trademark Renewals

Initial 7-year term then 10-year renewals; file before expiry; grace period.

Source: BRELA

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Tanzania IP

Is Tanzania an ARIPO member? ▾

Yes, Tanzania is an ARIPO member. A single ARIPO application can cover Tanzania and multiple other East/Southern African member states.

Does Tanzania accept Madrid trademark designations? ▾

No, Tanzania has not joined the Madrid Protocol. Direct BRELA filing is required.

PCT national phase deadline for Tanzania? ▾

30 months.

What is the initial trademark term in Tanzania? ▾

7 years for the initial registration, then 10-year renewals.

Is Tanzania a WTO member? ▾

Yes, Tanzania joined WTO in 1995.

What language is required? ▾

English (Swahili is the national language but IP filings are typically in English).

Is a local agent required? ▾

Foreign applicants must use a registered BRELA agent; ARIPO applications require an ARIPO-accredited agent.

Which sectors most need IP in Tanzania? ▾

Tourism/hospitality branding, mining (tanzanite, gold), agri-products (tea, coffee, spices), and consumer goods.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

BRELA Official Website www.brela.go.tz ARIPO Official Website www.aripo.org WIPO — Tanzania www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=155

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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