Geographical Indications Law in Senegal
Here’s an overview of Geographical Indications (GI) law in Senegal:
🇸🇳 Geographical Indications Law in Senegal
1. Legal Framework
Senegal is a member of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) — the African Intellectual Property Organization.
OAPI provides a unified system for the protection of intellectual property rights, including Geographical Indications, across its member states.
Senegal’s GI protection is primarily governed under the Bangui Agreement, the main treaty administered by OAPI.
2. Bangui Agreement
The Bangui Agreement (revised in 1999) establishes the framework for the protection of GIs within the OAPI member countries.
It provides for the registration, protection, and enforcement of GIs.
Registration under OAPI grants protection automatically in all member states, including Senegal.
3. Types of Protection
The Bangui Agreement protects:
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) — Controlled Designation of Origin
Indication Géographique (IG) — Geographical Indication
4. Registration Process
Applications for GI protection are filed with the OAPI Office located in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
After examination, the GI is published and subject to opposition.
Once registered, protection is granted in all OAPI member states.
5. Enforcement
Protection prohibits misuse or false use of GIs.
Enforcement is through OAPI’s member states’ judicial systems, including Senegalese courts.
Penalties for infringement include fines, injunctions, and product seizure.
6. Examples of Senegalese GIs
Senegalese products that may benefit from GI protection include:
Bissap (hibiscus drink)
Dakar peanuts
Traditional textiles or handicrafts linked to specific regions
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Bangui Agreement administered by OAPI |
| Administering Authority | OAPI Office |
| Types of Protection | Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), Indication Géographique (IG) |
| Registration Process | Application → Examination → Publication → Registration |
| Enforcement | National courts under OAPI framework |
| Examples | Bissap, Dakar peanuts, traditional textiles |
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