WhereRDB Intellectual Property Division + Bank of Kigali for payments
TimeAbout 31–91 days in total
CostAbout Rwf 40,000: Rwf 5,000 search + Rwf 35,000 filing (one class). Rwf 3,000 per extra class
What you need
- Application letter to the Registrar General and the trademark form
- A reproduction of the mark (logo or name)
- The Nice classification class(es) for your goods or services
- Your company registration certificate and the manager's ID
- Power of attorney if a representative applies for you
Steps
- Pay the Rwf 5,000 search fee to RDB's account at Bank of Kigali.
- Request the trademark search from RDB with the receipt, the mark and its class. You hear back within about 3 working days.
- Pay the filing fee (Rwf 35,000 for one class, Rwf 3,000 per extra class).
- Submit the registration documents with both receipts and the search result.
- The mark is published. If there's no opposition within 60 days, RDB registers it and contacts you to collect the certificate.
Tips
- Registration lasts 10 years from filing. Renewal costs Rwf 80,000 (Rwf 20,000 extra after the 6-month grace period).
- Applicants who don't live in Rwanda must use an authorised IP agent in Rwanda. IP desk: ipdesk@rdb.rw.
Official sources
Last checked: 2 November 2026 against RDB's business procedures portal. If something here is out of date, tell us so we can fix it.
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