Tanzania’s Fair Competition Commission (FCC) has unveiled a landmark development in the nation’s intellectual property framework. This new system, which mandates the recordation of all trademarks related to imported goods, is a significant legislative stride towards a more robust and proactive anti-counterfeiting regime. Effective December 1, 2025, this measure is enacted under Section 11A of…
Registering a trademark in Zanzibar is an independent process separate from Mainland Tanzania. It is governed by its own legislation and administered by the local IP authority. The primary governing law is the Zanzibar Industrial Property Act, No. 4 of 2008, which superseded the old Trade Marks Decree (Cap. 159). The registration is handled by…
Registering a trademark in Mainland Tanzania is a crucial step for securing exclusive rights to your brand name, logo, or other distinguishing marks. The process is governed by the Trade and Service Marks Act [Cap. 326 R.E. 2023] and is administered by the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA). 1. Key Considerations Before Filing It…
Choosing the correct trademark filing route is the most critical decision for international businesses entering the Tanzanian market. You have two primary options for protecting your brand in Mainland Tanzania: filing directly with the national office, the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), or filing regionally through the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) via…
For brand owners seeking comprehensive coverage across the United Republic of Tanzania, it’s vital to recognize the country’s unique constitutional setup: Intellectual Property (IP) is a non-union matter. This means that protection in Tanzania Mainland (Tanganyika) and Zanzibar is governed by separate laws and administrative bodies. A registration in Dar es Salaam offers zero legal…
Highlights Introduction: In an increasingly interconnected world, international travel has become more accessible than ever. One important aspect of travel is obtaining a visa, which is typically a mandatory requirement for entry into many countries. However, certain travelers may qualify for a “gratis visa,” which allows entry without the usual fees associated with visa applications….
SUMMARY NOTE: In the event of a Members’ Voluntary Winding Up of a company in Zanzibar, several taxes may be applicable, depending on the circumstances of the liquidation. Here are the key taxes to consider: Applicable Rate: Capital gains tax is charged on the disposal of assets, which may occur when the company sells its…
Summary note Overview A shareholders’ agreement is a document which outlines the relationship between shareholders, their rights and obligations and ensures smooth governance of a company. The importance of having a shareholder’s agreement is: 1. Clarity of Rights and Responsibilities The shareholders’ agreement defines the roles of shareholders, including their rights to dividends, voting powers,…
Summary note Overview Foreigners working in Zanzibar are employed and given a specific foreign contract. Section 36 (1) of the Employment Act provides for employment of a foreigner. However, for a foreigner to be hired, it should be taken into consideration that there is no local Zanzibari/ Tanzanian with the expertise to do the job…