The Government of Tanzania has introduced the Merchandise Marks (Recordation) Regulations, 2025, creating a mandatory system for recording all trademarks on imported goods. This new compliance framework empowers the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and customs to proactively intercept counterfeit goods, enhancing consumer protection and strengthening trademark enforcement.
In this article, Ardean Law Chambers & ASCEBENS & Associates explain the recordation process, compliance requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and practical steps trademark owners, licensees, and agents must take. We also outline how our firm is supporting clients with portfolio audits, filings, renewals, and regulatory compliance in Tanzania’s evolving trademark landscape.
Get the full article: TRADEMARK PROTECTION-Development in Tanzania
Author: Mali Gratian
Mr. Gratian Mali is a long-serving legal practitioner and academician with experience dating back to 2002. Before he established Ardean Law Chambers in 2011, Mr. Mali has, at different times, worked for a number of reputable offices including the Attorney General’s Office (2002), Mauggo & Co. Advocate (2003) and TGG Legal Consultants and Attorneys (2006-2008). Mr. Mali has also served as Legal Advisor and Company Secretary in various Firms including Roots General Agency Ltd., JCDecaux Tanzania Limited; Avanti Industries Limited; Golden Agricultural Commodities Pty, Doshi Hardware (TZ) Ltd, Agiribal International Limited; Kastipharm Limited, Yemensoft Solutions Ltd, IDV Technologies Africa Limited. He is also the legal advisor of an international organizations namely “Mission Africa-Tanzania” and Youth Challenge International (Canada Word Youth -Tanzania). Mr. Mali has also worked with government institutions such as the Institute of Accountancy Arusha and Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA) where he served as a Senior Corporate Counsel and Head of Legal Unit.
Mr. Mali is experienced in corporate management, public procurement, taxation, insurance, banking, employment and labour relations, real estate and intellectual property. He also has proven experience in debt recovery management and strategies, litigation, mediation and arbitration. Mr. Mali is a member of Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators, Tanganyika Law Society and the East African Law Society. In the academic arena, Mr. Mali is serving as a Lecturer in law at Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College and Kampala International University-Dar es Salaam. Mali a seasoned publisher and has published in areas of Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, Sale of Goods, Insurance and Tax Law.
Mr. Mali possess a Degree of Master of Laws (LL.M) of the University of Dar es Salaam majoring in Intellectual Property, Insurance and Tax law. He a Managing Partner at ARDEAN Law Chambers. Mr. Mali is an exclusive representative of Atradius Collection and Credilex Global Recovery SLP in Tanzania.
