Challenges of Transnational Trademark Law Practice: The Case of Nigerian Companies’ Brands in OAPI States
Author Information
Author: Caroline Joëlle Nwabueze
Author Note: Dr. (Mrs.) Caroline Joëlle Nwabueze is described in the article as holding a PhD in law with First Class Honours from Douala University, Cameroon; being a Dr. (iur) candidate at the University of Bern, Switzerland; a graduate of the WIPO LL.M. course in intellectual property from Turin University, Italy; holding a Master’s in international law from Handong International Law School in South Korea; and serving as a lecturer in law at the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria.
Paper Details
Title: Challenges of Transnational Trademark Law Practice: The Case of Nigerian Companies’ Brands in OAPI States
Author: Caroline Joëlle Nwabueze
Journal: Revue générale de droit
Year: 2015
Volume: 45
Pages: 321–347
Main Focus of the Paper
The article examines the trademark challenges Nigerian companies face when entering OAPI markets and exporting goods and services there. It focuses on trademark registration, enforcement, and the differences between the Nigerian trademark system and the OAPI trademark system.
Key Themes
- Transnational trademark law practice
- Nigerian companies’ brands in OAPI States
- Territoriality of trademark rights
- Registration and enforcement of marks in OAPI
- Differences between Nigerian and OAPI trademark systems
- Regional trademark cooperation in West and Central Africa
Countries and Region Discussed
The article discusses Nigerian business expansion into neighbouring OAPI countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Guinea, and more broadly addresses OAPI member states as a regional trademark system.
Recommendation Highlighted in the Paper
The article concludes by recommending the creation of a trademark community in the West and Central African region between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, drawing inspiration from trademark harmonisation in the European Union.
Suggested Citation
Nwabueze, Caroline Joëlle, “Challenges of Transnational Trademark Law Practice: The Case of Nigerian Companies’ Brands in OAPI States” (2015) 45 Revue générale de droit 321–347.
