Trademarks Law in Egypt
Here’s a detailed overview of trademark law in Egypt:
🇪🇬 Trademark Law in Egypt
🔹 Governing Law
Trademark protection in Egypt is governed by Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, including trademarks.
The law is administered by the Egyptian Trademarks Office, part of the Egyptian Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade.
Egypt is a member of major international treaties, such as:
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
The Madrid Protocol (joined in 2021)
The TRIPS Agreement (WTO member since 1995)
🔹 What Can Be Registered?
Trademarks in Egypt may include:
Words, names, letters, numerals
Logos, designs, shapes, colors
Sounds and holograms (if capable of distinguishing goods/services)
Collective and certification marks are also recognized
🔹 Registration Process
Filing: Applications are filed with the Egyptian Trademarks Office, including a clear representation of the mark and a list of goods/services.
Formal Examination: Checking completeness and compliance.
Substantive Examination: Checking for conflicts, distinctiveness, and prohibited signs.
Publication: In the official gazette for a 60-day opposition period.
Registration: If no oppositions or oppositions are rejected, the trademark is registered, and a certificate is issued.
🔹 Rights Granted
Exclusive right to use the trademark in relation to the registered goods/services.
Right to prevent unauthorized use or imitation by others.
Right to license or assign the trademark.
Protection against counterfeit or infringing goods.
🔹 Duration and Renewal
Trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
Can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Renewal applications must be filed within 6 months before expiration, with a 6-month grace period.
🔹 Use Requirement and Cancellation
Non-use of a trademark for 3 consecutive years may lead to cancellation if requested by a third party.
Use must be genuine and continuous to maintain rights.
🔹 Enforcement
Enforcement of trademark rights is through:
Civil courts for injunctions, damages, and accounts of profits.
Administrative actions via the Egyptian Customs Authority to prevent import/export of counterfeit goods.
Criminal prosecution for counterfeiting and piracy with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
🔹 International Treaties
| Treaty | Status |
|---|---|
| Paris Convention | Member since 1906 |
| Madrid Protocol | Member since 2021 |
| TRIPS (WTO) | Member since 1995 |
| Nice Agreement | Adopted for classification |
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Law No. 82 of 2002 |
| Admin authority | Egyptian Trademarks Office |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
| Registration | Required for protection |
| Use requirement | Non-use for 3 years = cancellation possible |
| Enforcement | Civil, administrative, criminal |
| International treaties | Paris, Madrid, TRIPS |
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