A new trademark law became effective in Tunisia on April 23, 2001, replacing the old law of 1889 (amended in 1983) in order to comply with the TRIPs Agreement. Some of the important changes are listed below.

Trademark applications will now be examined as to form and for inherent registrability.

Third parties may file an opposition against an application during the two-month opposition period following publication thereof.

The definition of a trademark has been expanded to include color, sound, collective and well-known marks.

An applicant claiming convention priority based on a prior "home" application or registration must submit a copy of the application or registration upon filing the application in Tunisia.

The term of protection is now ten years from the filing date instead of fifteen years.

Registrations are vulnerable to non-use cancellation actions for unexplained non-use for a period of five consecutive years.