Overview
Mauritius offers intellectual property protection for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs under the administration of the Industrial Property Office, which operates under the relevant governmental ministry. As Mauritius is not a member of any regional African IP organization such as ARIPO or OAPI, all IP filings proceed directly through the national system.
While separate from regional frameworks, Mauritius adheres to various international treaties, maintaining procedures consistent with recognized global standards. Applicants, whether local or foreign, can rely on established administrative and judicial avenues to protect and enforce their IP rights in Mauritius.
International Conventions
Mauritius is party to several key international agreements that shape its IP landscape, including:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
IP office
Trademarks in Mauritius may be registered through a multi-class filing system administered by the Industrial Property Office. Each application can cover multiple classes of goods and services.
Applicants must submit a clear representation of the trademark and pay required fees.
A substantive examination ensures distinctiveness and checks for conflicts with existing marks.
Registrations are valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed for consecutive 10-year periods.
Applicants should accurately provide their information (name, address) and the relevant classes of goods or services.
Once registered, trademark owners have exclusive rights and can pursue enforcement through formal administrative processes or court actions if infringement occurs.
Patent protection in Mauritius applies to inventions satisfying novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability requirements.
A patent remains in force for 20 years from the filing date, with periodic maintenance fees required.
Applicants must file a specification, claims, and relevant documents describing the invention.
A substantive examination confirms compliance with patentability criteria.
Mauritius is a contracting state of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), allowing international applicants to enter the national phase after an international filing.
Granted patents confer exclusive rights to make and use the invention in Mauritius, with legal remedies accessible in the event of unauthorized exploitation.
attributes of articles. Applications are lodged with the Industrial Property Office.
Applicants must provide representations of the design and pay official fees.
Design registrations typically last for an initial term of five years, renewable twice for a total of 15 years.
Complete and accurate information on the applicant is essential for valid registration.
Design right holders may prevent unauthorized manufacture or sale of products that replicate or closely imitate the protected design within Mauritius.
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.
