Overview
Burundi provides legal protection for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs through national legislation and oversight by the Burundi Industrial Property Office. Although it is not a member of any regional African IP organizations (such as ARIPO or OAPI), Burundi has implemented its own procedures to ensure that both local and foreign applicants can secure and enforce intellectual property rights in its territory.
The IP framework in Burundi aligns with international standards and continues to evolve to enhance legal certainty. Applicants benefit from a structured process that safeguards their commercial interests within the country’s growing market.
International Conventions
Burundi is a signatory to several international treaties and conventions that influence its IP regulations, including:
• Paris Convention
• Berne Convention
• TRIPS Agreement
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
IP office
Trademark applications in Burundi are processed by the Burundi Industrial Property Office. Rigorous examination ensures that only distinctive and non-conflicting trademarks proceed to registration.
• The exam verifies distinctiveness and checks for conflicts with earlier trademarks.
• A trademark is granted for 10 years from the filing date, subject to renewal for further 10-year periods.
• Applicants must provide accurate details such as name, address, and a description of goods or services.
Upon registration, the trademark owner acquires the exclusive right to use the trademark in Burundi and may initiate legal or administrative proceedings against infringement.
Patent protection in Burundi is obtained via filing an application with the Burundi Industrial Property Office. The invention must fulfill novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability to be patentable.
• Patent rights are granted for 20 years from the filing date, provided annual maintenance fees are paid.
• Applicants must submit a detailed specification and claims that fully disclose the invention.
• A substantive exam is carried out to ensure the invention meets patentability criteria.
• Burundi’s participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) enables foreign applicants to seek patent protection through the international filing system.
Once granted, a patent in Burundi confers exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the invention, enforceable through civil remedies in case of infringement.
Industrial design protection in Burundi extends to the novel visual aspects of an article. Applications are submitted to the Burundi Industrial Property Office.
Applicants must provide accurate representations of the design and their identifying details to facilitate examination.
• Once approved, a design is protected for an initial term of 5 years, renewable twice for for a total of 15 years.
Holders of valid industrial design rights in Burundi can prevent unauthorized reproduction or marketing of substantially similar designs in the country.
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.
