Top 5 Nigerian Patent and Trademark Firms
Suggestions for the top 5 Nigerian patent and trademark law firms:
1. Leading filer and most technologically advanced
Crown & Shields (partner: Kimi Onana) is the leading filer of Nigerian patents and trademarks – able to file large numbers of Nigerian patents and trademarks efficiently and at very competitive rates.
In 2022, Crown & Shields was selected by GlobalIPCo as its exclusive agent in Nigeria. At the time, fewer than 500 patents were filed each year in Nigeria. A year later, Crown & Shields and GlobalIPCo more than tripled the total number of Nigerian patents filed – largely driven by the SANi combination patent, which combines South Africa and Nigeria, covering 44% of sub-Sahara African GDP.
Crown & Shields also processes Nigerian patent and trademark renewals on behalf of the PayAnnuity renewal system – the online system that significantly reduces the cost to pay Nigerian patent and trademark annuities.
In 2025, Crown & Shields and GlobalIPCo streamlined the filing and prosecution process for Nigerian trademarks.
Supported by the GlobalIPCo IP management system, Crown & Shields:
- has exclusive access to the most technologically advanced filing system in Nigeria;
- is able file South African patents, trademarks and designs more efficiently and at lower cost than most South African patent firms; and
- is licensed to file SANi patents and trademarks.
Crown & Shields is uniquely placed to offer patent and trademark services within both Nigeria and South Africa.
Unlike most Nigerian firms, Crown & Shields focusses exclusively on intellectual property within Africa.
2. Best for IP commercial
If you have an IP commercial matter, Jackon, Etti & Edu is a good option. The firm has broad sectoral experience and is the Nigerian “firm of choice” for many South African patent firms.
Jackson, Eti & Edu is a full-service law firm with an intellectual property division.
3. Best for trademark litigation
Aluko & Oyebode is well known for its trademark litigation practice. The firm keeps abreast of regulatory developments and takes pride in being involved in high-profile trademark disputes.
Aluko & Oyebode is also actively involved in fashioning the Nigerian regulatory landscape.
Aluko & Oyebode is a full-service law firm with an intellectual property division.
4. Best for data protection and media & entertainment
Banwo & Ighodalo is also a full-service law firm that provides services relating to data protection and media & entertainment.
5. Recommended for copyright disputes
Aelex is also a full-service law firm with a strong slant towards copyright within Nigeria, in particular disputes relating to copyright subsisting in musical works. Apart from musicians, the firm supports software and social media companies.