Cape Verde approves new Industrial Property Code

Cape Verde has approved a new Industrial Property Code through Legislative Decree No. 2/2025 of 2 December. The new legislation repeals the previous 2007 Industrial Property Code and aims to modernise the country’s industrial property framework, aligning it with the evolution of international IP law and harmonising Cape Verdean legislation with commitments undertaken under international and regional treaties, notably within the framework of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

Among the main changes introduced are the alignment of the patent regime with international filing systems, the introduction of protection for unregistered industrial designs, and, for the first time, the recognition of protection for plant varieties and traditional knowledge.

The decree also simplifies the trademark registration regime by removing the requirement for graphical representation of the sign and strengthens the protection of trade secrets.

In addition, the new Code introduces measures aimed at digitalisation and administrative simplification, allowing for the electronic filing of applications and facilitating access to the industrial property system for companies, creators and citizens.

These changes are intended to strengthen the protection of industrial creations, promote innovation and make the system more accessible and efficient.

The new Code will enter into force on 2 June 2026. Until that date, the current legal framework will remain applicable.

Inventa will continue to monitor the implementation of this legislative reform and will share further updates as additional guidance or clarifications are issued by the competent authorities.