Industrial Designs Law in Egypt
Here’s an overview of Industrial Designs Law in Egypt:
🇪🇬 Industrial Designs Law in Egypt
1. Legal Framework
Industrial designs in Egypt are protected under the Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, especially Part IV related to industrial designs.
The law is administered by the Egyptian Patent Office (EGPO), which operates under the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade.
Egypt is a member of international treaties including the Paris Convention, TRIPS Agreement, and the Hague Agreement for international design registration.
2. Definition of Industrial Design
An industrial design refers to the appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation.
Protection is given to the aesthetic or ornamental aspect, not the technical features.
3. Registration Process
Applications must be filed with the Egyptian Patent Office (EGPO).
The application must include:
Clear representations (drawings or photographs) of the design.
A description of the design.
The design must be new and possess individual character.
The EGPO conducts a formal examination and substantive examination.
Accepted designs are published in the Official Gazette for opposition purposes.
4. Duration and Renewal
Protection is granted for an initial period of 5 years from the filing date.
It can be renewed for additional periods of 5 years, up to a maximum of 15 years.
5. Rights Conferred
The registered owner has the exclusive right to use, license, or assign the design.
The owner can prevent unauthorized making, selling, importing, or using of products bearing the protected design.
6. Grounds for Refusal
Designs lacking novelty or individual character.
Designs dictated solely by technical function.
Designs contrary to public order or morality.
7. International Treaties
Egypt is a member of:
Paris Convention (since 1926)
TRIPS Agreement
Hague Agreement (since 2018) — allowing international design registration via WIPO, designating Egypt.
Additional Notes:
Egypt offers protection for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs.
The Egyptian IP office encourages electronic filing.
Enforcement of design rights can be pursued through administrative and judicial procedures.
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