Intellectual Property Laws at Gambia
The Gambia has established a structured intellectual property (IP) system under the Ministry of Justice, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth. Here's an overview of the key IP laws and enforcement mechanisms in the country:
Key IP Laws and Regulations
*1. Industrial Property Act (1989) & Amendments (2007, 2015)
These laws govern the registration and protection of patents, utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks in The Gambi. The Industrial Property Registry, under the Registrar General's Department, administers these right.
*2. Copyright Act (2004)
This act provides protection for original literary, artistic, and scientific work. The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is responsible for administering copyright and related right.
*3. National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (2018–2023)
Approved by the Gambian Cabinet in December 2019, this policy outlines the country's approach to IP developmen. The National Intellectual Property Council (NIPC), comprising key stakeholders, oversees its implementatio.
🛡️ Enforcement and Administration
*Registrar General’s Department: Oversees the IP Registry, handling national and international applicatios. The department utilizes the Intellectual Property Automation System (IPAS) for efficient administratin.
*International Cooperation: The Gambia is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), facilitating regional and international IP protection.
📄 Application Procedures
*Patents: Filed using Form P1, requiring a request, description, claims, drawings, and abstrc.Protection lasts for 20 years from the filing dte.
*Utility Models: Filed using Form U1, with protection for 10 year. Criteria include local novelty and industrial applicabilty.
*Industrial Designs: Filed using Form D1, with protection for 15 year. Designs must be new and not contrary to public order or moralty.
*Trademarks: Filed using Form M1, with protection for 10 years, renewable indefinitly. The Gambia joined the Madrid System in December 2015, allowing international trademark protecton.
🌐 International Agreemets
The Gambia is a signatory to several international treaies:
Paris Conventio: For the protection of industrial proprty.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT: Facilitates international patent filngs.
Berne Conventio: For the protection of literary and artistic wrks.
Madrid Protoco: For international trademark registraion.
Hague Agreemen: For international design protecion.
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