Intellectual Property Laws at Rwanda
Rwanda has established a comprehensive legal framework for intellectual property (IP) protection, encapsulated in Law No. 055/2024, which came into effect on July 31, 2024. This law supersedes the previous Law No. 31/2009 and aligns Rwanda's IP system with international standards.
Key Provisions of Law No. 055/2024
*1. Industrial Property Rights
The law covers various aspects of industrial property, including:
Patents of Invention Protection for novel invention.
Utility Models Protection for new and useful devices or tool.
Industrial Designs and Models Protection for the aesthetic aspect of product.
Layout Designs (Topographies) of Integrated Circuits Protection for the three-dimensional configuration of integrated circuit.
Marks, Collective Marks, Certification Marks, and Trade Names Protection for distinctive signs used in commerce.
Geographical Indications Protection for products originating from specific regions with qualities or reputations linked to that origin.
*2. Copyright and Related Rights
The law extends protection to:
Literary and Artistic Works Including books, music, and artwork.
Computer Programs Protection for software.
Dramatic and Dramatics-Musical Works Including plays and musical.
Choreographic Works Protection for dance composition.
Audiovisual Works Including films and video.
Works of Fine Art Such as paintings, sculptures, and drawing.
Architectural Works Protection for building design.
Photographic Works Including photographs and similar work.
Works of Applied Art Such as crafts and industrial design.
Illustrations, Maps, Plans, Sketches, and 3-D Works Related to geography, topography, architecture, or science.
Works of Rwandan Folklore Protection for traditional cultural expression.
*3. Unfair Competition
The law prohibits acts of unfair competition, including:
Misleading the Public Any act or practice that misleads the public in the course of industrial or commercial activity.
Damaging Another’s Goodwill or Reputation Acts that damage the goodwill or reputation of a competitor’s or another’s enterprise.
Unauthorized Use of Technical Know-How Use of designs, models, marks, patents, technical formulae, and combinations or manufacturing methods of a competitor without authorization.
Acts of Unfair Competition in Respect of Secret Information Disclosure, acquisition, or use of secret information without consent and in a manner contrary to honest commercial practice.
🏛️ *Implementation and Enforcement
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through its Office of the Registrar General (ORG), is responsible for the administration and enforcement of IP rights in Rwana The RDB has been actively engaging in nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of IP registration and protection These campaigns target young innovators, students, the business community, and academics, and include roadshows, workshops, and community radio talks
🌐 *International Treaties and Memberships
Rwanda is a member of 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 Woks.
**Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)*: Facilitates international patent applications.
*Madrid Protocol: For the International Registration of Maks.
*Harare Protocol: Administered by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIO).
*Budapest Treaty: On the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms.
*Marrakesh VIP Treaty: Concerning the Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons.
RELATED Blog
0 comments