Industrial Designs Law in Comoros
Industrial Designs Law in Comoros is governed primarily by its participation in regional and international intellectual property systems, as the country itself has limited standalone IP legislation. Comoros is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), which centrally manages industrial design rights for its member states.
Key Features of Industrial Designs Law in Comoros
1. Legal Framework
Comoros is a member of OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle).
Industrial design protection in Comoros is regulated under the Bangui Agreement, which governs industrial property rights for all OAPI member states.
📄 Registration Process
Centralized Application
Applications for industrial design protection in Comoros are filed centrally with the OAPI Office located in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
A single application covers all OAPI member states, including Comoros.
Examination
OAPI conducts a formal examination to check compliance with filing requirements.
Substantive examination regarding novelty and originality is not typically performed before registration.
Publication
Registered industrial designs are published in the OAPI Official Bulletin, which informs all member states including Comoros.
Registration
Once approved, a certificate of registration is issued valid throughout all OAPI member states.
⏳ Duration of Protection
Initial protection lasts for 5 years from the date of filing.
The protection may be renewed for two further periods of 5 years each, up to a total of 15 years.
⚖️ Rights Conferred
The owner has the exclusive right to use, license, or assign the industrial design within Comoros and other OAPI states.
Protection prevents unauthorized manufacture, sale, or import of products bearing the protected design.
🌍 International Treaties
OAPI member states, including Comoros, are parties to:
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
The Bangui Agreement (regional IP system)
The TRIPS Agreement through their membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
🛡️ Enforcement
Enforcement of industrial design rights is through national courts in Comoros with jurisdiction over IP matters.
OAPI can assist with regional coordination, but actual enforcement depends on local judiciary and administrative mechanisms.
✅ Summary
Industrial designs in Comoros are protected under the regional OAPI system governed by the Bangui Agreement.
Applications are centralized and provide protection in all OAPI member states, including Comoros.
Protection lasts up to 15 years (5 years initial, renewable twice).
Comoros is part of key international IP treaties via OAPI and WTO membership.
Enforcement is handled locally within Comoros, supported by regional cooperation through OAPI.
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