Industrial Designs Law in Ethiopia
Here’s an overview of Industrial Designs Law in Ethiopia:
Industrial Designs Law in Ethiopia
Legal Framework
Industrial design protection in Ethiopia is governed primarily by the Proclamation No. 320/2003 — the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Proclamation.
Additional regulations and directives issued by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) complement the law.
Ethiopia is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, but is not currently a member of the Hague Agreement on Industrial Designs.
Ethiopia is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which offers regional IP protection.
Competent Authority
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) is the national office responsible for the registration and enforcement of industrial design rights.
Key Features:
Definition of Industrial Design
An industrial design is defined as the appearance of a product or part of it, resulting from features such as lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, or materials, provided it is new and original.
Registration Process
Applications must be filed with EIPO and include:
Clear representations of the design (drawings, photos, or other graphic forms).
A description of the design and the product(s) it applies to.
The office examines the application for formal compliance and novelty.
Upon acceptance, the design is registered and published.
Duration and Renewal
Protection is granted for an initial period of 5 years from the filing date.
It can be renewed for two additional periods of 5 years each, up to a maximum total of 15 years.
Rights Conferred
Exclusive rights to prevent unauthorized manufacture, use, sale, or importation of products bearing the protected design.
Rights can be assigned or licensed.
Grounds for Refusal
Designs lacking novelty or originality.
Designs dictated solely by technical function (not eligible for protection).
Designs contrary to public order or morality.
Infringement and Enforcement
Civil remedies are available to enforce rights, including injunctions and damages.
Customs may assist in controlling counterfeit imports.
International Protection
Although Ethiopia is not part of the Hague Agreement, protection can be sought through ARIPO for regional registration.
Priority rights are recognized under the Paris Convention.
Summary
Ethiopia provides industrial design protection through formal registration with EIPO for up to 15 years, aligned with international standards. Regional protection via ARIPO is also an option, although Ethiopia is not a member of the Hague system.
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