The Republic of South Sudan gained full independence from Sudan in 2011 and, as a result thereof, it does not recognize as valid Sudanese trade mark registrations.
On the other hand, in the absence of a national legislation, there is no South Sudan Trademark Register, nor is it possible to obtain a trademark registration, re-registration or renewal of a trademark registration in said new country.
However, we have recently heard that the Register of Companies of the Ministry of Justice accepts and handles all applications for trademark registrations.
It seems that these registrations and the relevant certificates will most likely be acknowledged in due course and a specific law, once approved, will most likely ratify said procedures.
Accordingly, it may be assumed that a trademark granted within the framework of the current procedure will be acted upon against a later application and that these registrations may be valid titles in disputes started before the new law comes into force.
If you wish to obtain any kind of protection in said country, it is therefore possible to apply for registration at the Ministry of Justice.
The procedure includes a request for registration with the Ministry of Justice, accompanied by documentation authenticated by a public Notary.
It is assumed that the validity of the registration is ten years from the date of filing and it seems we should be confident that when the new country will approve its own trademark law, this will preserve both the validity of registrations and the duration thereof.
Our Firm, cooperating with associates being active also in South Sudan, can assist you in getting the more proper local protection of any trademark.