Overview
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) was established in 1976 to facilitate cooperation among its member states in matters of intellectual property. ARIPO administers several key protocols, including the Banjul Protocol on trademarks and the Harare Protocol on patents and industrial designs. Headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, ARIPO aims to centralize and harmonize IP registration and protection across its member states.
ARIPO member states implement these protocols at the national level, allowing applicants to file a single regional application designating multiple jurisdictions. Over the years, the organization has introduced amendments to ensure alignment with evolving global IP standards.
IP office
Banjul Protocol
ARIPO trademarks are governed by the Banjul Protocol, adopted in 1993 and in force since 1997. Through a single filing, applicants can seek trademark protection in one or more designated member states of ARIPO.
- Renewal Period: ARIPO trademarks are valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.
- Applications: Applicants must submit details such as the trademark representation, a list of goods and services in single or multiple classes.
- Examination: After formalities are checked by the ARIPO Secretariat, member states may conduct their own exam based on local requirements.
- Member State Implications: Once registered, each designated member state retains the right to enforce or refuse protection according to its national legislation.
Harare Protocol
ARIPO patents are governed by the Harare Protocol, which was adopted in 1982. Applicants can file one regional application designating the relevant member states, simplifying patent protection across multiple jurisdictions.
- Requirements: The patent application must include a request form, a description, claims, any necessary drawings, and an abstract.
- Renewal Period: Once granted, ARIPO patents typically have a maximum duration of 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual maintenance fees.
- Examination: A formal examination is followed by a substantive examination;
- Member State Implications: Each member state can still apply national legal standards to validate or reject the patent within its territory.
Harare Protocol
Under the Harare Protocol, industrial designs benefit from a unified filing system that can designate any ARIPO member state. This approach streamlines the protection of aesthetic creations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Procedures: Applicants must submit representations of the design, alongside a brief description of its features.
- Duration: up to a total of 15 years.
- Novelty Requirements: Although novelty must be satisfied under ARIPO provisions, member states may impose additional criteria or assessment procedures.
- Member State Implications: After registration, enforcement and possible invalidation actions remain subject to each member state’s laws.
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.
