Page 22 - Zone Law Pacific Brochure

Tonga
TONGA IS A POLYNESIAN KINGDOM OF MORE THAN 170 SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS OF WHICH ONLY 36 ARE INHABITED. IT HAS A POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 105,000, OF WHOM 70% LIVE ON THE MAIN ISLAND, TONGATAPU.
Trade mark protection
Trade mark protection in Tonga is governed by the Tongan Industrial Property Act 1994 which became effective in 2000. Any trade marks registered under the previous Act were cancelled after the new legislation came into force.
The legislation allows for multi-class applications and colours and shapes. However, the legislation does not allow for a series of trade marks or sounds and smells.
Tonga is a member of the Paris Convention.
Patent protection
Patents can be granted under the Tongan Industrial Property Act 1994. The grant can last up to 20 years and is subject to annual renewal fees. Patents cannot be renewed once expired.
Design protection
The Tongan Industrial Property Act 1994 allows for applications of industrial designs The registration lasts 5 years and can be renewed for two further 5 year periods.
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