New Zim trade mark laws now in force

Court fees and damages awards are
now calculated and paid in US dollars

10 September was the commencement date for Zimbabwe's Trade Marks Amendment Act (Act No. 10 of 2001) and Intellectual Property Tribunal Act (Act No. 5 of 2001). These two regulations implement a range of amendments to the Trade Marks Act [Cap 26:04] and require the establishment of a separate tribunal to handle IP disputes.

The Trade Marks Amendment Act applies gives retroactive protection to all trade mark registrations that designated Zimbabwe under ARIPO's Protocol system. It also widens the scope of the definition of a "mark", provides for registration of collective marks, offers broader protection by way of border measures and allows for punitive damages awards in respect of flagrant infringements.

Source: INTA Bulletin, vol.65, no.18, 15 October 2010