Patents Laws in Togo
Here’s a summary of patent laws in Togo:
Patent Laws in Togo
📜 Legal Framework
Main Law: Patent protection in Togo is governed by ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) and OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle — African Intellectual Property Organization).
Togo is a member of OAPI, which administers intellectual property rights, including patents, for its member states.
Patent applications in Togo are filed through OAPI under the Bangui Agreement.
📌 Key Points:
1. Patent System
Togo uses a regional patent system via OAPI.
Patents granted by OAPI have effect in all member states, including Togo.
The Bangui Agreement governs patent protection in OAPI countries.
2. Patentability Requirements
To be patentable, the invention must be:
New
Involve an inventive step
Industrially applicable
Exclusions include:
Discoveries
Scientific theories and mathematical methods
Aesthetic creations
Schemes, rules or methods for business or playing games
Methods of medical treatment
3. Patent Application Process
Patent applications are filed directly with OAPI (headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon).
OAPI conducts formal and substantive examination.
After acceptance, patents are published in the official OAPI bulletin.
Patents are granted for inventions valid across all OAPI member states (including Togo).
4. Duration and Renewal
Patent term is 20 years from the filing date.
Annual renewal fees are required to maintain the patent.
5. Rights and Enforcement
Patent holders have the exclusive right to exploit their invention.
They can take legal action against infringement in any member state.
OAPI provides centralized enforcement mechanisms.
🌍 International Treaties
Togo, via OAPI, is a member of:
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) through OAPI
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