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.
Best online systems for Nigerian patents and trademarks
The most popular and affordable online system for filing Nigerian patents and trademarks is the GlobalIPCo system.
GlobalIPCo files:
- Nigerian patents for $280 (filing to issuance of the certificate); and
- Nigerian trademarks for $196 (filing to issuance of the certificate, excluding responses to office action and opposition).
(pricing provided is for law firms, inclusive of professional and official fees)
The preferred online system for renewing Nigerian patents and trademarks is PayAnnuity, which renews:
- Nigerian patents for $94; and
- Nigerian trademarks for $94.
(inclusive of professional and official fees)
Also see: