Legal Updates
Stay informed with the latest legal developments and regulatory changes in Tanzania
Tanzania: Registrar Applies the Anti-Dissection Rule in "MO CLEANSOFT" vs. "KLEESOFT" Trademark Opposition.
A trademark cannot escape a likelihood-of-confusion inquiry by being carved into pieces. In a Ruling delivered on 26 June 2026, the Deputy Registrar of Trade and Service Marks at the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) refused registration of the trademark “MO CLEANSOFT” (and logo), Application No. TZ/T/2019/532 in Class 3, upholding an opposition brought by Guangzhou Sunda International Trading Company Limited, the registered proprietor of the trademark “KLEESOFT” in Tanzania.
Tanzania: Proposed IP Law Reforms on ARIPO Recognition and Well-known Marks.
The Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2026 (Bill) proposes significant reforms to Tanzania's IP regime under the Trade and Service Marks Act (Cap. 326) and the Patents (Registration) Act (Cap. 217). On the trademark side, the Bill introduces recognition of ARIPO registrations designating Tanzania (new section 28A), statutory protection of well-known marks even without local business or goodwill (new section 19A), and express provision for collective and certification marks (sections 16A and 16B). On the patent side, it proposes ministerial power to temporarily exclude certain inventions from patentability for up to ten years, a 20-year patent term from the filing date, and extension of utility certificates from seven to ten years. If enacted, rights holders are advised to review their trademark and patent portfolios, their approach to ARIPO designations and well-known mark protection, and any pending filings that may be affected.
High Court of Tanzania Rules: Failure to Renew Your Trademarks Forfeits Your Rights to Enforce It.
The High Court of Tanzania in Dew Drop Drinks Company Limited v. Lemon Dove Company Limited (Civil Case No. 000026624 of 2025) has confirmed that an expired trademark confers no enforceable rights. The Plaintiff's TZS 500 million infringement suit was struck out with costs because its "Dew Drop" mark had lapsed in 2023 over two years before the suit was filed leaving it without locus standi under the Trade and Service Marks Act. The ruling makes clear that renewal is a legal prerequisite to enforcement, and trademark owners should ensure timely renewals and regular IP portfolio audits.
Key Amendments to the Business Names Act and Companies Act under the Bill Supplement Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2026
The Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2026 proposes far-reaching reforms to Tanzania's corporate legal framework, targeting the Business Names Act (Cap. 213) and the Companies Act (Cap. 212) with a clear policy direction: greater transparency in business ownership, stronger regulatory oversight, and alignment with international Anti-Money Laundering standards.