Trademarks Law in Ivory Coast
Certainly! Here’s a detailed overview of trademark law in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire):
🇨🇮 Trademark Law in Ivory Coast
📜 Governing Legislation:
Ivory Coast is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).
Trademark law in Ivory Coast is governed by the Bangui Agreement which provides a unified IP system across OAPI member states.
The OAPI system handles trademark registration and protection centrally.
🔖 What is a Trademark?
A trademark is any sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others.
This includes words, logos, shapes, colors, sounds, or combinations thereof.
📋 Trademark Registration:
Trademark registration is mandatory for protection.
Applications are filed with the OAPI Office in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
A single registration grants protection in all OAPI member states, including Ivory Coast.
📝 Requirements for Registration:
The mark must be distinctive and not generic or deceptive.
It must not conflict with earlier trademarks or well-known marks.
Must not violate public order or morality.
⏳ Duration of Protection:
Protection lasts 10 years from the filing date.
Renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
🛡️ Rights Conferred:
Exclusive rights to use the trademark in Ivory Coast and all OAPI member states.
Right to prevent unauthorized use or registration.
Right to license or transfer the trademark.
⚖️ Enforcement and Remedies:
Infringement can be pursued in national courts within Ivory Coast.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure or destruction of infringing goods.
Criminal penalties may apply for counterfeiting.
🌍 International Treaties:
As an OAPI member, Ivory Coast benefits from:
Bangui Agreement
Paris Convention
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
Various WIPO treaties
📝 Summary Table:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | OAPI Bangui Agreement |
| Office | OAPI (Yaoundé, Cameroon) |
| Registration | Mandatory, centralized through OAPI |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
| Rights | Exclusive use, licensing, enforcement |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
| International Treaties | Paris, TRIPS, Bangui Agreement |
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