Commencement Of The Trademarks Act No.11 of 2023

On 31 December 2025, the Trademarks Act No. 11 of 2023 (the “new Trademarks Act” or “the “Act”) came into force pursuant to Statutory Instrument No. 86 of 2025. The new Trademarks Act repeals and replaces the Trademarks Act, Chapter 401 of the Laws of Zambia, which has governed trademark protection since 1958. The enactment of the new Trademarks Act marks a significant modernisation of Zambia’s trademark regime. Among its key reforms, the new Act introduces statutory protection for service marks, gives domestic effect to the Madrid Protocol, and strengthens trademark enforcement mechanisms. Collectively, these developments align Zambia’s trademark system more closely with contemporary international standards and best practices.