Intellectual Property Laws at Kazakhstan
Kiribati has developed a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) framework to protect the creations and innovations of its citizens and businesses. The Intellectual Property Division operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), overseeing the implementation and administration of IP laws in the country
📜 Key IP Legislation in Kiribati
1. **Copyright Act 2018 (Act No. 8 of 2018)** This Act governs the protection of original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works It grants authors exclusive rights to control the use and distribution of their works, including moral and economic rights The Act also extends protection to performers, producers of sound recordings, and broadcasters
2. Trademark Act 2019 The Trademark Act 2019 established the legal framework for trademark protection in Kiribati However, the associated regulations are still under review by the Office of the Attorney General Until the new regulations are implemented, trademark registrations are processed under the Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap 88)
3. Patent Act 2022 The Patent Act 2022 provides for the protection of inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable Currently, patent registrations are processed under the **Registration of United Kingdom Patents Ordinance (Cap 87)** The new Act is expected to introduce a national filing system once the associated regulations are finalized
4. Industrial Design Protection While Kiribati does not yet have a specific Industrial Design Act, UK-based industrial design registrations are protected in the country The government is considering the implementation of a national industrial design law to align with its IP policy objectives
🌍 International IP Engagement
Kiribati has taken steps to integrate into the global IP system by acceding to several international treaties:
Paris Convention (2022) Provides priority rights for patents, trademarks, and industrial design.
Berne Convention (2017) Ensures protection of literary and artistic work.
Marrakesh Treaty (2019) Facilitates access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disable.
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) & WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) (2021) Enhances protection of authors' rights in the digital environment.
Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances Protects the rights of performers in audiovisual performance. Additionally, Kiribati is considering accession to the Madrid Protocol, Hague Agreement, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to further strengthen its IP framework
🏢 IP Administration
The Intellectual Property Division within the MCIC is responsible for:
Registering new trademarks and patents.
Providing advice on IP mattes.
Implementing and reviewing IP las.
Conducting public awareness campaigns on IP rights
📝 IP Registration Process
Copyright Registration
Registration is free and requires:
Completed application form.
Birth certificate or national ID card.
Two passport-sized photos.
Evidence of the work.
Agreement or contract (if applicable).
Optional services include obtaining a certificate of registration, changing information in the copyright register, and searching or extracting information from the register, each for a nominal fee
Trademark and Patent Registration
Applicants must submit:
Request letter.
European specification.
Authorization of agent form or power of attorney.
Copy of official filing fee details.
For patent assignments or changes in name/address, additional documentation is required, such as an assignment deed or change of name/address testimony
📍 Contact Information
Intellectual Property Division
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives
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