Trademark Protection in Yemen: Sana'a Registry and Aden Registry

Trademark Protection in Yemen: Sana'a Registry and Aden Registry
Author
Cristina Arroyo
Date
October 14, 2026

  1. Two territories, two separate records

Yemen is divided into two regions: in the north, the capital, Sana’a; and in the south, Aden, the most commercially and geopolitically strategic region. Each region has its own Trademark Office, and both operate independently: a registration granted by one does not, in and of itself, guarantee protection in the other region.

Our correspondents currently recommend protecting trademarks in both territories through the respective offices. It is worth noting that this recommendation has evolved over time. However, barring any changes, the prevailing view today is in favor of dual protection.

  1. How to Protect a Trademark in Yemen.

  • Protection is obtained by filing a national application with each of the offices—in Sana'a and Aden— separately: each registration has its own file, its own number, and its own schedule of expiration dates.
  • Applications are filed by class in accordance with the Nice Classification, although with some limitations.
  • The registration is valid for ten years from the date of application and may be renewed for equal periods.
  • There is a one-year grace period from the expiration date to renew.
  • Registration entries —such as name or address changes, transfers, licenses, and mergers—must also be recorded separately at each office.

  1. Possible Scenarios

Since registration in both Sana'a and Aden is currently the most widely recommended approach for comprehensive protection, the scenarios are as follows:

  1. Anyone wishing to protect their trademarks throughout Yemen must file applications with the offices in Sana'a and Aden.
  2. At present (and without ruling out the possibility that this opportunity may fade), there is a window of opportunity that allows rights already registered in Sana'a to be extended to Aden:

Status of the registry in Sana'a

Route available in Aden
Trademarks whose renewal expires in 2026 They may be renewed by filing a separate application with the Aden Office.
Trademarks registered before February 2018, expiring in 2027 They can also be renewed in Aden before their expiration date. Alternatively, you can submit a new application in Aden.
Bonds maturing in 2028, 2029, 2030, or later A new application must be filed with the Aden Office.
Registration entries or annotations (name or address changes, transfers, licenses, mergers) made in Sana'a after February 2018 The changes must be registered with the Aden Office so that both records reflect the same ownership and the same information.

 

  1. Information and Follow-up

If you wish to protect your trademarks in both jurisdictions, we are here to help you determine the best way to do so. We have a team of experts in trademark registration and national and international maintenance.

Cristina Arroyo, Director of International Brands at ELZABURU.