Middle East & Africa

Ghana

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Ghana.

Authority

GhIPO

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Member

GhIPO Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Ghana
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Ghana

Ghana is one of West Africa's most stable and open economies; petroleum, gold, cocoa, and services are key sectors. IP administered by GhIPO. Ghana is an **ARIPO member** — a single ARIPO application covers Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and other member states. PCT (30 months) and Madrid (2008) supported.

ARIPO Patent (African Regional Patent) ▾

Single ARIPO application covering Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Namibia, Uganda, etc. (must designate each); 20-year term.

Source: ARIPO (www.aripo.org) — Harare Protocol

Ghana National Patent Application ▾

Direct GhIPO national filing in English; 20-year term. PCT national phase: 30 months.

Source: GhIPO; WIPO PCT Guide — GH

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Ghana

Ghanaian trademarks examined by GhIPO; 10-year term; renewable. Madrid designations (since 2008) or direct GhIPO filing in English.

Trademark Application Route ▾

Madrid designation (GH) or direct GhIPO filing in English; 10-year term.

Source: GhIPO; WIPO Madrid

Patent Annuity

Ghana Patent Annuities

ARIPO annuities to ARIPO; national annuities to GhIPO; grace period available.

Source: ARIPO; GhIPO fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Ghana Trademark Renewals

10-year trademark; renew before expiry; grace period.

Source: GhIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Ghana IP

Is Ghana an ARIPO member? ▾

Yes, Ghana is an ARIPO member. A single ARIPO application covers Ghana and multiple other African states. ARIPO is headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Does Ghana accept Madrid trademark designations? ▾

Yes, Ghana joined the Madrid Protocol in 2008.

PCT national phase deadline for Ghana? ▾

30 months.

Is there a trademark use requirement in Ghana? ▾

Yes, 5-year non-use may lead to revocation.

Is Ghana a WTO member? ▾

Yes, Ghana joined WTO in 1995.

Which sectors most need IP protection in Ghana? ▾

Gold and mining, cocoa and food/beverage branding, telecoms, and consumer goods are most IP-sensitive sectors.

What language is required? ▾

English.

Is a local agent required? ▾

Foreign applicants must use a registered GhIPO agent; ARIPO applications require an ARIPO-accredited agent.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

GhIPO Official Website greip.gov.gh ARIPO Official Website www.aripo.org WIPO — Ghana www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=64 WIPO Madrid — GH www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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