Intellectual Property Laws at Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), which unifies intellectual property (IP) laws across its 17 member states. This system allows for a single application to protect IP rights in all member countries, including CAR.
🧠 Key Intellectual Property Laws in CAR
1. Patents
Governing Law: The Bangui Agreement (revised in 2015
Patent Types: Inventions and utility model
Protection Duration: 20 years from the filing date
Renewal: Annual fees are required from the first anniversary of the filing date
Application Process: Applications must be filed through OAPI; national filings in CAR are not permitted
2. Trademarks
Governing Law: The Bangui Agreement (revised in 2015
Trademark Types: Standard marks, certification marks, and sound mark
Protection Duration: 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely
Application Process: Single application through OAPI covers all member state
Recent Updates: The revised Bangui Agreement allows for the division of trademark applications by goods or services and recognizes common law rights during the opposition period
3. Industrial Designs
Governing Law: The Bangui Agreement (revised in 2015
Protection Duration: Initial term of 5 years from the filing date, with two possible 5-year extensions, totalling 15 year
Application Process: Applications must be filed through OAP
Recent Updates: Applications are published for a three-month opposition period before registration
4. Copyright
Governing Law: Ordinance No. 85.002 of January 5, 198
Protection: Automatic upon creation
Duration: Life of the author plus 50 year
Implementing Regulations: Decree No. 85.006 of January 5, 1985, establishing the Central African Office of Copyright
5. Geographical Indications
Governing Law: The Bangui Agreement (revised in 2015
Protection: Registered appellations of origin are protected
Enforcement: Unlawful use can lead to injunctions, destruction of infringing goods, and penalties including fines and imprisonment
🏛️ Administrative Authority
OAPI Headquarters Yaoundé, Cameron
Role OAPI is responsible for the registration and protection of IP rights in member states, including CR
🌍 International Treaties
As a member of OAPI, CAR is party to several international treaties:
*Paris Convention: For the protection of industrial property
**Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)*: Facilitates international patent applications
*Madrid Protocol: For the international registration of trademarks
*Hague Agreement: For the international registration of industrial designs
*Berne Convention: For the protection of literary and artistic woks
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