Intellectual Property Laws at Lebanon
Lebanon has a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) legal framework that aligns with international standards, including the TRIPS Agreement. Here's an overview of Lebanon's IP laws, recent changes, and enforcement mechanisms:
🏛️ Key IP Laws and Regulations
1. Patents
Law No. 240/2000: Enacted on August 7, 2000, this modern patent law provides protection for inventions, plant varieties, and integrated circuit layouts. It also safeguards undisclosed information
Protection Criteria: Inventions must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application
Duration: 20 years from the registration date
Employee Inventions: Ownership depends on the employment contract; inventions made during employment may belong to the employer
2. Trademarks
Law No. 2385/1924: The primary legislation governing trademarks in Lebanon
Recent Amendment (Law No. 324/2024): Effective from February 15, 2024, this law introduces several changes
Trademark Protection Period: Reduced from 15 to 10 years for new applications
Renewal Term: Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years
Fee Structure: Official fees for application, registration, renewal, and recordal have been increased
3. Copyright
Law No. 75/1999: Enacted on April 3, 1999, and effective from June 6, 1999, this law extends protection to literary, artistic, and scientific works, including computer software and audiovisual works
Protection Criteria: Automatic upon creation; no registration required
Duration: Life of the author plus 50 years
International Treaties: Lebanon is a signatory to the Berne Convention and other related treaties
4. Industrial Designs
Law No. 4/2005: Governs the protection of industrial designs and models
Protection Criteria: Designs must be new and have individual character
Duration: 25 years, renewable once for an additional 25 years
🛡️ Enforcement and Administration
Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET) The primary authority responsible for IP registration and enforcement.
Intellectual Property Protection Office (IPPO) Operates under MOET to handle IP matter.
Lebanese Customs Plays a role in enforcing IP rights by seizing counterfeit good.
Internal Security Forces (ISF) Enforce IP laws, particularly in cases of online counterfeiting and piracy.
🌐 International Agreements
Lebanon is a member of several key international IP treaties:
*Paris Convention: For the protection of industrial property.
*Berne Convention: For the protection of literary and artistic wors.
**WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)*: For the protection of authors' rights in the digital environment.
*Rome Convention: For the protection of performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations.
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