More than 2,000 trademarks expired in Uganda, and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has issued an urgent notice to all affected parties. On July 11, the URSB published a formal alert warning that these trademarks will be permanently removed from the register unless renewed within 60 days.
Trademark Owners Get 60-Day Grace Period
According to the URSB, trademark owners have exactly 60 days from the date of notice to renew their trademarks. This warning aligns with Section 22 of the Trademarks Act, Cap 225, and Regulation 48 of the Trademarks Regulations, 2023.
“Failure to do so will result in permanent removal from the register,” said the URSB, which is led by Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho. Once removed, the affected trademarks will be freed up for use by others.
What Trademark Expiry Means for Business Owners
If your trademark has expired, you lose exclusive rights to your brand. This opens the door for third parties to legally use or register similar or identical trademarks. In essence, expired trademarks put your brand equity, market share, and legal protections at serious risk.
The URSB clarified that once a trademark is removed, restoration is not guaranteed. Your business could suffer from brand dilution, customer confusion, and even loss of market identity.
Check the URSB Trademark List
URSB published the full list of affected trademarks and encouraged owners to verify their status via the following link:
Check Expired and Removed Trademarks 2025
This list includes business names, logos, slogans, and other brand identifiers that have missed their renewal deadlines.
Why Trademark Renewal Is Critical
Renewing your trademark keeps your intellectual property rights intact and prevents other companies from infringing on your brand. It also maintains your competitive edge in the market. The URSB emphasized that timely renewal ensures continued protection under the law.
“Trademark renewal preserves your brand identity, legal rights, and market presence,” the bureau said in its statement.
Call to Action from URSB
The URSB urges all individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies to review their trademark status immediately. This is particularly important for businesses that rely heavily on branding, visual identity, or slogans to engage consumers.
“Take immediate action to protect your intellectual property,” URSB advised via a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Failure to act will not only cost you your legal protections but could also lead to costly disputes down the road if someone else registers your expired trademark.
How to Renew Your Trademark in Uganda
To avoid permanent deletion from the register, visit the URSB office or its official website and follow the renewal procedures. The process typically includes:
- Checking your trademark’s expiry date
- Filling out the appropriate renewal form
- Paying the renewal fee
- Submitting all required documents online or in person
You may also consult with a trademark attorney or a licensed agent if you’re unsure about the legal process or paperwork.
Preserve Your Intellectual Property Rights
The trademarks expired in Uganda serve as a wake-up call to businesses that brand protection requires vigilance. Timely renewals are not just a legal formality—they are essential to sustaining your reputation, value proposition, and market authority.
If you’re a brand owner in Uganda, act now. Don’t let your business suffer the consequences of neglecting intellectual property rights.