Intellectual Property Laws at Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea's intellectual property (IP) framework is primarily governed by the Bangui Agreement, administered by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). This regional system allows for a unified IP registration process across member states, including Equatorial Guinea.
🧠 Key Intellectual Property Laws in Equatorial Guinea
1. Copyright
Governing Law: The **Bangui Agreement*
Eligible Works: Literary, artistic, and scientific creations, such as books, music, films, software, and traditional cultural expression
Protection Duration: Lifetime of the author plus 50 year
Registration: While registration is not mandatory, it is advisable for legal certainty The Ministry of Culture and the Office of the Intellectual Property assist in registering works and enforcing right
2. Trademarks
Governing Law: The **Bangui Agreement*
Protection Duration:10 years from the filing date, renewable every 10 year
Registration: Conducted through OAPI, covering all member states with a single application
Filing Requirements: Signed Power of Attorney, applicant details, trademark representation, list of goods/services, and priority document (if applicable
3. Patents
Governing Law: The **Bangui Agreement*
Protection Duration:20 years from the filing date
Registration: Filed through OAPI, covering all member states with a single application
Filing Requirements: Detailed description, claims, drawings, and abstract of the inventio
4. Industrial Designs
Protection Duration:15 year
Registration: Filed through OAPI, covering all member states with a single application
Filing Requirements: Representation of the design, description, and applicant detail
5. Utility Models
Protection Duration:10 years from the filing date
Registration: Filed through OAPI, covering all member states with a single application
Filing Requirements: Description, claims, and drawings of the utility mode
🏛️ Administrative Authority
The Scientific and Technological Research Council (CICTE) oversees IP matters in Equatorial Guinea.
Contact Information:
Address Cocaleros s/n, Malabo, Bioko Nore
Head of IP Office Mr. Francisco Nfa ABESO MANGE
Managing Director Ms. Estefania Sabina Abeme Aba
🌍 International Treaties
Equatorial Guinea, through OAPI, is a member of several international IP treaties, including:
*Paris Convention: For the protection of industrial property
*Madrid Protocol: For the international registration of trademarks
*Nice Agreement: Establishes an international classification of goods and services for the registration of marks
*Berne Convention: For the protection of literary and artistic woks
**Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)*: Sets minimum standards for IP regulations
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