WHEREAS, it is necessary to protect the reputation and goodwill of business persons engaged in manufacturing and distribution of goods as well as rendering services by protecting trademarks to avoid confusion between similar goods and services;

WHEREAS, trademarks, in the course of free trade, play an important role in guiding customers’ choice and protecting their interests;

WHEREAS, it is believed that protection of trademarks could have positive impact on the national economic advancement and especially on the trade and industrial development of the country;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: