Liberia to publish expired trademarks for transparency, says LIPO

Published: June 30, 2025

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), has announced a sweeping initiative to publish all expired trademarks registered in its official gazette.

This move, officials say, will bolster transparency and improve the accuracy of the country’s intellectual property records.

In a Public Legal Notice, LIPO disclosed that as of July 7, all trademarks that have not been renewed or restored within the legally mandated timeframes will be published as “lapsed and formally removed from the national register.” The initiative is in line with the 2016 Intellectual Property Act and the Revised Administrative Trademark Regulation No. 001/tm/08/2018.

“This effort is intended to ensure transparency, promote good governance of the trademark registry, and assist businesses and legal entities in making informed decisions concerning existing or conflicting trademarks,” said Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, in the official announcement.

According to the notice, registered trademarks in Liberia are valid for ten years from the date of filing and may be renewed for additional ten-year periods upon expiration. A six-month grace period is also permitted for late renewals, albeit with an additional surcharge. During this period, the proprietor may file for restoration, provided they meet the criteria.

“Beyond this period, the opportunity to reclaim the trademark expires. Therefore, we are urging all legal practitioners, trademark proprietors, and rights holders to immediately check the status of their trademarks and renew their registrations where possible,” Hon. Koboi added.

“Consistent with these legal provisions, as of July 7, 2025, LIPO shall commence the publication of all expired trademarks which have not been renewed or restored within the applicable statutory timeframes,” she continued. “These trademarks shall be deemed lapsed and removed from the active registry and published for public record.”

According to LIPO, the upcoming publication will be made available through the agency’s official journal, website, and social media. For additional information, stakeholders can contact LIPO’s offices at the Old Labor Ministry Compound on UN Drive in Monrovia, or reach out via phone or email.