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Figures reveal early pandemic rush for covid-related trademarks

Cape Verde, an island state formed by an archipelago of 10 islands, benefits from its geographic position and has an economy based on the services sector, including trade, transport, tourism, public services, and exports of fish and clothing. Despite this, natural resources are scarce, with prolonged water shortages enhanced by long and cyclical periods of drought, and low-fertility soils on se...

January 14, 2022

Diana Pereira

Opinion ARIPO Patent Africa

ARIPO: Adding member states

Introduction ARIPO is a regional intellectual property organization that is regulated by several protocols. With regard to patent applications, it is regulated by the Harare protocol whose member states are: Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zamb...

January 7, 2022

Diogo Antunes

Opinion Nigeria Africa

Nigeria: will franchising your business jeopardise your brand?

The Nigerian International Franchise Association defines a franchise as “a business arrangement” where “the franchisor grants the franchise operator (the franchisee) the right to distribute certain products or services in a particular way, at a particular location, and for specified periods of time. In return, the franchisee pays the franchisor fees and royalties.” The a...

December 27, 2021

Oyebola Coker

Opinion Angola Trademark Application Patent Law Africa

Power of attorney: Angolan Court establishes new deadlines

One of the requirements in Angola for the registration of any IP right through a legal representative is a power of attorney on behalf of the applicant. In cases where the applicants are foreign persons or entities, this document is even mandatory, as they are required to be represented by a local attorney at law, according to article 67 of the Angolan Industrial Property Law (IP Law). Addition...

December 15, 2021

Miguel Bibe

Opinion European Union Trademark EUIPO

European Union Trademarks: Can abbreviations and acronyms be registered?

The distinctive function and distinctive character Trademarks serve to distinguish the goods or services of one company from those of other companies. This is the trademark’s most relevant function for the legal system. Only signs which have the capacity to distinguish, i.e., distinctive capacity, can fulfil that function. For this reason, the rules that regulate trademark law determine...

December 7, 2021

João Pereira Cabral

Press Release Angola Cape Verde Mozambique Nigeria Portugal Sao Tome and Principe Timor-Leste Macao

Rebranding: Inventa International is now Inventa

As we continue to celebrate 50 years, we also redefine our brand and, from now on, remaining faithful to our mission and values, we assume ourselves as Inventa. Working daily with innovation and aiming to the future, the new logo and key visual reflects our commitment to all our clients and associates, with the same expertise that has characterized us in protecting intellectual property assets....

December 6, 2021

Opinion Benin OAPI Africa Geographical Indications

The sugarloaf pineapple: GIs as a development tool in action

The west African nation of Benin has registered its first protected geographical indication at the African Intellectual Property Organisation on 28 October. The honour goes to the sugarloaf pineapple from the Allada Plateau, which has juicy and sweet white flesh, and the distinction of remaining green when fully ripe. According to the Pan-African Geographical Indications Information Hub w...

November 30, 2021

Inês Sequeira

Opinion ARIPO Patent WIPO Africa

Africa: patenting against the clock

A patent prosecution process carried by a patent office takes a significant time lasting usually from three to six years. The period from filing the patent application to patent granting depends on several factors, for example the work capacity of the patent office, meeting of the patentability criteria, number of necessary substantive examinations, and some time limits set forth by patent laws an...

November 29, 2021

Vítor Sérgio Moreira

Opinion Sudan Patent Trademark Africa

How the military coup in Sudan affects trademark rights

Since the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has been ruled by an alliance between military and civilian groups. However, on 25 October 2021, the military took control. dissolving the transitional government and detaining Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok – although he returned to his residence the next day, according to a source within the Sudanese prime minister’s...

November 24, 2021

Inês Monteiro Alves

Opinion ARIPO OAPI Patent Africa

Patents in Africa: ARIPO vs contracting states' laws

In Africa, inventions can be protected by patents through a direct filing in the country of interest using the Paris Convention or through a sole filing in a regional office. With regard to the regional offices, the applicant can choose among the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), or both, sin...

November 22, 2021

Marisol Cardoso

Opinion Trademark WIPO Africa

How the Global Innovation Index rankings highlights African innovation

WIPO published the 14th Global Innovation Index (GII) in September. This year’s edition was dedicated to tracking innovation through the covid-19 crisis and explores several key indicators – including trademark-related information – to identify trends in innovation across 132 countries. One of the objectives of this is to assist policymakers to promote creativity and in...

November 16, 2021

João Francisco Sá

Opinion Madagascar Patent Africa

Madagascar: biodiversity and patent rights

Madagascar is an island country in East Africa, located in the Indian Ocean. As a result of the island’s long isolation from neighbouring continents, Madagascar is home to various plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, being therefore considered as a biodiversity hotspot. Due to its abundant and diverse natural resources, the island’s economy has its mainstays in agricultur...

November 9, 2021

Marisol Cardoso

Jurisdiction