Russian
English
Trademark Registration in Mauritius
Mauritius is a country located in the Indian Ocean. It is renowned not only for its picturesque beaches and warm climate but also for its status as a developed international business hub. Foreign investors are attracted by its stable legal system, regulatory transparency, and well-developed financial services, digital technologies, and e-commerce sectors. In such a popular jurisdiction for doing business, the protection of intellectual property becomes a key element of a successful business strategy. Trademark registration in Mauritius enables companies to secure their brand, strengthen legal protection, and prepare for expansion into African and Asian markets.
Contents
Who Needs a Trademark (TM) in Mauritius?
Trademark registration is particularly relevant for both local companies and entrepreneurs, as well as for foreign entities. Despite its small size, Mauritius is an important economic and logistical hub.
A trademark in Mauritius is useful for:
-
Local businesses, including cafés, hotels, tour operators, producers of artisanal goods and food products. Protecting the name and visual identity helps prevent copying and strengthens recognition among both local and international clients.
-
International companies using Mauritius as a platform for entering African or Asian markets. A registered TM enables the formation of a protected brand when exporting goods or providing cross-border services.
-
Financial and IT companies registered in Mauritius, including fintech, e-commerce, SaaS, and outsourcing structures. In the digital economy, a protected brand is a crucial intangible asset.
-
Franchise networks and licensing companies seeking to formalize relationships with local partners on a legal basis. Without a registered TM, licensing agreements are legally vulnerable.
-
Startups and individual entrepreneurs looking to secure rights to a unique name, logo, or slogan before scaling operations.
-
Offshore companies organized as an AC (Authorized Company) or GBC (Global Business Corporation) in Mauritius.
Why Register a Trademark (TM) in Mauritius?
A trademark grants its owner the exclusive right to use a specific designation (name, logo, slogan, etc.) for the declared goods or services. This means that no one else can legally use or copy the mark without permission. For local companies, protection helps prevent direct plagiarism and unfair competition.
For foreign companies, a registered TM serves as a foundation for legal security. It facilitates exports, protection against counterfeit goods entering the market, the conclusion of licensing agreements, franchising, and participation in international legal procedures—such as under the Madrid System.
A trademark carries significant commercial value, increasing customer trust, confirming a company’s reputation, and eventually becoming a valuable intangible asset that enhances the company’s overall worth.
Failure to register may result in loss of brand control. If another party registers an identical or similar mark first, the original brand owner may be forced to rebrand or engage in costly and lengthy legal disputes. Moreover, infringing on third-party IP rights exposes a business to substantial legal and financial risks.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Mauritius
Trademark registration in Mauritius is governed by The Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks Act 2002 and administered by the Industrial Property Office (IPO).
-
Preliminary SearchA search of the register for existing or pending trademarks in Mauritius to ensure there is no conflict with existing marks.
-
Application Preparation and FilingForeign applicants must file through an authorized local representative.
-
Formal ExaminationIPO officers check the completeness of documentation, correct form filling, payment of fees, and compliance with basic requirements.
-
Substantive ExaminationThis includes assessment of the distinctiveness of the mark, conflicts with prior trademarks, and compliance with public order, morality, and legal standards.
-
Publication in the Official BulletinIf the mark passes examination, it is published in the Official Journal of Mauritius. Within 2 months of publication, any interested party may file an opposition to the registration.
-
Opposition DecisionIn the event of opposition, the parties may present their arguments and evidence. IPO reviews the case and issues a decision. If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to registration.
A registered TM in Mauritius is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for successive 10-year periods an unlimited number of times. The renewal application must be submitted before the expiry date, with a grace period (usually up to 6 months) available upon payment of a late fee.
The entire process takes approximately 10 months.
Our Services for Trademark Registration in Mauritius
Law&Trust International offers a comprehensive solution:
-
Full brand audit – risk analysis and recommendations for adapting the name to the local market.
-
In-depth search – identification of identical or confusingly similar trademarks.
-
Document preparation – form completion, document translation (if required), and notary services.
-
Legal support throughout the trademark registration process.
-
Infringement monitoring – post-registration counterfeit detection program.
-
Renewal services – reminders and assistance with renewals starting 6 months before the expiry date.
