Intellectual Property Laws at Egypt
Egypt has a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, primarily governed by Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. This legislation aligns with international standards and covers various forms of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and plant varieties.
🏛️ Key Legislation
Law No. 82 of 2002 serves as the cornerstone of Egypt's IP protection system It is divided into three main books
Book One: Patents, Utility Models, Layout-Designs for Integrated Circuits, and Undisclosed Information
Book Two: Trademarks, Geographical Indications, and Industrial Design
Book Three: Copyright and Related Right This law establishes the rights of creators and inventors, outlines the procedures for registration and enforcement, and specifies penalties for infringement It also addresses issues related to the use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources
🏢 IP Authorities
The Egyptian Patent Office (EPO), under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is responsible for:
Granting patents and utility modes
Administering layout-designs for integrated circuits
Handling undisclosed information The Egyptian Trade Mark Office, part of the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, oversee:
Trademark registration
Geographical indications
Industrial designs For copyright matters, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) manage:
Registration of literary and artistic wors
Enforcement of related rights
🌐 International Treaties
Egypt is a member of several key international IP treaties, including:
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Madrid Agreement and Protocol for the International Registration of Marks
Hague Agreement for the International Registration of Industrial Designs
*WIPO Copyright Treaty and Performances and Phonograms Treaty
These memberships facilitate the international protection of IP rights.
⚖️ Enforcement and Legal Action
Egypt's IP enforcement mechanisms include:
*Administrative Actions: Filing complaints with the relevant authorities for IP infringement.
*Judicial Actions: Pursuing legal proceedings in civil courts for IP violations.
*Border Measures: Customs authorities can seize counterfeit goods at borders.
*Criminal Penalties: Imprisonment and fines for serious infringements, such as unauthorized reproduction of protected wors.
The law also provides for conservatory measures, such as the seizure of infringing goods and equipment used in the infringement.
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