Capital: Bujumbura
Population: 6 million
Major languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili
Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Form of government: Multiparty republic
Monetary unit: 1 Burundi franc = 100 centimes
Main exports: coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides
Internet domain: .bi
Time zone: GMT+2
International dialling code: +257

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Trade Marks

International Arrangements:

Paris Union.

Categories of Trade Marks:

Although no provisions exist for the registration of SERVICE MARKS, the Registrar has accepted applications covering both goods and services.

There are no provisions for the registration of COLLECTIVE MARKS, DEFENSIVE MARKS or SERIES MARKS.

Classification:

There is no classification system and applicants should specify the goods (and/or services - see above) of interest.


Documents required:

A. New Applications 

• Power of Attorney (not legalised) - a separate form is required for each application.
• 10 prints, even for word marks in ordinary type.
• Priority document (if applicable), with verified French translation.
  

B. Renewals

• Registrations are granted for an unlimited term and no renewal fees are payable.

C. Assignments/Mergers

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified French translation.
• Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement.

D. Change of Name

• Power of Attorney (not legalised)
• Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French translation.
• Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement.
  

E. Change of Address

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Original Certificate of Registration for endorsement.
  
  

F. Licences/Registered Users

• Although the law contains no provisions therefor, Licence Agreements will in practice be recorded by the Registrar.
  
  

The documents required are as follows:-

• Power of Attorney (not legalised).
• Licence Agreement, with verified French translation.
  

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Trade Mark Forms

Burunditrd.pdf

Patents

International arrangements:

• WIPO (from 30 March 1977)
• Paris Union (from 3 September 1977)

Novelty requirements:

Novelty is destroyed by:

• prior public use, manufacture or exploitation of the invention in Burundi by a third party on a commercial scale; or
• prior printed publication anywhere;

Patents of Importation are however obtainable at any time during the life of the basic foreign patent.

Grant:

The term of a patent of invention is twenty years from the filing date and the term of a patent of importation is the unexpired term of the foreign patent. Patents of addition expire with the main case. No renewal fees are payable.

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