Contexto
A Guiné-Bissau é membro da Organização Africana da Propriedade Intelectual (OAPI), que administra marcas, patentes e desenhos industriais a nível regional. Os direitos concedidos através da OAPI estendem-se automaticamente à Guiné-Bissau, permitindo que requerentes locais e estrangeiros obtenham proteção em todos os Estados-membros da OAPI com um único pedido. A aplicação dos direitos a nível local continua a ser possível, permitindo aos titulares agir contra infrações na Guiné-Bissau, caso ocorram.
Os procedimentos simplificados da OAPI garantem alinhamento com normas internacionais, oferecendo uma abordagem centralizada que beneficia os requerentes que procuram proteção de PI em várias jurisdições. Ainda assim, os titulares de direitos podem recorrer aos mecanismos nacionais para defender os seus interesses dentro da Guiné-Bissau.
Convenções Internacionais
Através da sua participação na OAPI e de outros compromissos internacionais, a Guiné-Bissau adere a diversos tratados relevantes, incluindo:
• Convenção de Paris
• Convenção de Berna
• Acordo TRIPS
• Tratado de Cooperação em Matéria de Patentes (PCT)
Trademarks in Guinea-Bissau are filed under OAPI’s single-class system, covering all OAPI member states:
- Applicants provide a clear depiction of the trademark and pay the prescribed fees.
- A substantive exam assesses distinctiveness and checks for conflicts with existing registrations.
- Registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date, with renewals available for subsequent 10-year periods.
- Applicant information (name, address, and goods/services in the chosen class) must be accurate.
Owners of OAPI-registered trademarks may seek enforcement locally in Guinea-Bissau if unauthorized use takes place.
Patent applications covering Guinea-Bissau are likewise managed through OAPI:
- The patent remains in force for 20 years from the filing date, contingent on annual maintenance fee payments.
- Applicants submit a description, claims, and necessary documentation demonstrating novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- As OAPI is a PCT contracting party, international applicants can designate OAPI in their PCT filings, thus including Guinea-Bissau.
- A substantive exam ensures the invention meets legal patentability standards. Patent holders can enforce their rights in Guinea-Bissau through judicial or administrative remedies.
Industrial designs in Guinea-Bissau also fall under OAPI’s umbrella, protecting the appearance of products:
- Applicants submit representations of the design along with the required fees.
- Design registrations typically last for an initial term of five years, renewable twice for a total of 15 years.
- Applicants must supply accurate owner details and an accurate depiction of the design.
Once registered, designs remain enforceable in Guinea-Bissau, giving holders exclusive rights against infringing acts.
