Geographical Indications Law in Sudan
Here’s an overview of Geographical Indications (GI) law in Sudan:
🇸🇩 1. Legal Framework
Sudan does not currently have a dedicated, standalone Geographical Indications law.
Protection of product names linked to geographic origin is generally covered under:
The Industrial Property Act (or equivalent trademark law),
Unfair competition laws,
And broader intellectual property legislation.
Sudanese law may protect GIs primarily through trademarks, especially certification and collective marks.
2. Registration and Protection
There is no separate GI registration system in Sudan.
Producers seeking protection for geographical names typically register certification marks or collective marks with the Sudanese Industrial Property Office.
Protection is thus limited and may not fully comply with the requirements of the TRIPS Agreement.
3. International Agreements
Sudan is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is therefore bound by the TRIPS Agreement provisions related to GIs.
However, enforcement and implementation of TRIPS GI provisions domestically are still developing.
Sudan is also a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which offers frameworks for IP protection, but GI protection under ARIPO is still evolving.
4. Challenges and Outlook
Lack of specific GI legislation means limited formal protection of local products linked to geographic origin.
There is growing interest in developing a GI legal framework to protect Sudanese agricultural and artisanal products.
Summary Table
Aspect | Status in Sudan |
---|---|
Dedicated GI Law | ❌ No dedicated national GI law |
Protection Mechanism | Trademarks (certification, collective marks) |
Registration Authority | Sudan Industrial Property Office |
TRIPS Compliance | Member of WTO; domestic implementation limited |
International Membership | WTO, ARIPO |
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