Trademarks Law in Central African Republic
Here’s an overview of Trademark Law in the Central African Republic (CAR):
📘 Legal Framework in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a member of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) — the African Intellectual Property Organization. This means that trademark protection in CAR is governed by regional OAPI law, not national law alone.
1. Primary Legal Instrument
The Bangui Agreement (revised in 1999, and more recently in 2015)
This treaty serves as the legal foundation for intellectual property rights, including trademarks, in all OAPI member states, including CAR.
🛡️ What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?
Under the OAPI system, registrable trademarks include:
Words or combinations of words
Logos, symbols, images
Letters, numbers
Shapes, colors, and sound marks (if distinctive)
Slogans and trade names
The mark must:
Be distinctive
Not be deceptive, contrary to public order, or similar to existing marks
⚖️ Rights Granted
Trademark registration grants the owner:
Exclusive rights to use the mark in all 17 OAPI member countries, including CAR
The ability to prevent unauthorized use or imitation
Rights to assign or license the trademark
🕒 Duration of Protection
Initial registration: 10 years
Renewable indefinitely for 10-year periods
Grace period of 6 months for late renewal with surcharge
🌍 International Context
CAR, through OAPI, is part of:
Paris Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Nice Agreement (for classification of goods/services)
However, OAPI is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, so international registrations via Madrid do not cover OAPI countries.
🏛️ Trademark Registration and Administration
Trademarks are registered through OAPI, headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
CAR does not have its own national trademark office — all filings go through OAPI.
Applications are reviewed for distinctiveness and then published for opposition.
📌 Enforcement
Trademark rights in CAR can be enforced via:
Civil courts (infringement suits, injunctions, damages)
Customs authorities (to block counterfeits)
Administrative actions through national IP contact points or directly through OAPI
✅ Key Advantages of OAPI System
One registration = protection in 17 countries (including CAR)
Simplified and harmonized procedures
Centralized administration and enforcement support
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