Intellectual Property Laws at Libya

20 May 2025 --
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Libya has established a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, encompassing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. These laws are designed to foster innovation, protect creators, and align with international standards.

Key IP Laws in Libya

1. Copyright Law (Law No. 9 of 1968)

Protection Scope Covers literary, musical, and artistic work.

International Treaties Libya is a member of the Berne Convention, ensuring international recognition of copyright protection.

2. Patent and Industrial Designs Law (Law No. 8 of 1959)

Protection Scope Covers inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable.

Duration Patents are valid for 15 years from the filing date, with a possible 5-year extension if the invention is of unique importance and has not yielded sufficient profit.

Non-Use Provisions If a patented invention is not utilized in Libya within three years from the grant date, it may be subject to cancellation, though extensions can be granted under compelling circumstance.

3. Trademark Law (Law No. 23 of 2010)

Protection Scope Covers distinctive signs capable of distinguishing goods or service.

Duration Trademarks are valid for 10 years from the filing date and are renewable for like period.

Recent Amendments (2024):

Sound Marks Introduced provisions for the registration of sound mark.

Application Requirements Applicants must provide a legalized power of attorney, a legalized written undertaking ensuring conformity with Libyan standards, and an mp3 audio file for sound mark.

Opposition Period The deadline to file an opposition has been shortened from three months to 30 days from the publication dat.

4. Industrial Designs Law

Protection Scope Covers the aesthetic aspects of product.

International Treaties Libya is a member of the Paris Convention, facilitating international protection of industrial design.

Registration Applications are filed at the Industrial Research Centre - Patent Office in Tajour.

🏛️ IP Administration Authorities

*Industrial Research Center - Patent Office: Responsible for the registration of patents and industrial designs.

*Ministry of Economy: Oversees the implementation of IP laws and regulations.

*Beit Al-Khebra Intellectual Property: A leading IP firm in Libya, offering services in trademark, patent, and design registrations, as well as IP litigation.

🌍 *International IP Treaties

Libya is a signatory to several international treaties, enhancing its IP protection framework:

Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property

Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

*Nice Agreement: Libya follows the 9th edition of the Nice Classification for goods and services.

✅ *Summary Snapshot