Overview
Egypt provides protection for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs under the supervision of dedicated offices operating within the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Although not part of any regional African IP organizations such as ARIPO or OAPI, the country follows stringent national laws aligned with international standards to ensure domestic and foreign applicants can register and enforce their IP rights.
Egypt’s IP system involves formal filing procedures, substantive examinations, and established legal mechanisms for resolving infringement. These measures collectively safeguard a broad spectrum of innovative and creative works, positioning Egypt as an important jurisdiction for securing intellectual property in North Africa and the Middle East.
International Conventions
Egypt is party to several notable global agreements that guide its IP framework. These include:
• Paris Convention
• Berne Convention
• TRIPS Agreement
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
• Madrid System (Madrid Agreement and Protocol)
IP office
Applications must be filed with the Egyptian Trademark Office, adopting a single-class filing system. Each filing corresponds to one class of goods or services:
• Applicants must present a clear reproduction of the trademark and pay the official filing fees.
• A substantive exam reviews distinctiveness and possible conflicts with earlier trademarks.
• Once granted, trademark registrations remain valid for 10 years from the filing date, with renewal available for further 10-year periods.
• Accurate applicant information (name, address) and specific class details are crucial for successful registration.
• Egypt’s membership in the Madrid System allows international applicants to designate Egypt when seeking wider trademark protection.
Under Egyptian law, trademark owners can take administrative or judicial action against unauthorized use, ensuring robust protection for their marks within the country.
Patent registration in Egypt is overseen by the Egyptian Patent Office. The invention must demonstrate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability:
• Patents have a term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual maintenance fees.
• Applicants submit a detailed specification, claims, and any relevant technical documentation.
• A substantive exam is conducted to verify that the invention meets local patentability requirements.
• Egypt’s participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) facilitates international applications entering the national phase in Egypt.
Upon grant, patent owners hold exclusive rights to exploit the invention within Egypt, with the option of pursuing legal remedies if infringement arises.
Industrial design protection is administered by the competent office under the Ministry responsible for industrial property matters. Registrations safeguard the novel aesthetic and ornamental aspects of articles:
• Applicants must file representations or drawings of the design and settle the prescribed fees.
• Designs are typically protected for an initial term of 10 years from the filing date, renewable once for an additional 5 years.
• Applicants must supply complete and accurate details to ensure proper classification and registration.
Once a design is registered, the owner may prevent unauthorized manufacture, sale, or distribution of products featuring identical or substantially similar designs in Egypt.
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.
