OAPI

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CLASSIFICATION

11th edition – multiclass application

SEARCH

Possible for word and device marks

EXAMINATION

On formal, absolute, and relative grounds

OPPOSITION

3 months from publication date

PROTECTION TERM

10 years from filing date and renewable for like periods

USE

Vulnerable to cancellation if mark has not been used for 5 consecutive years from filing date

EXTENSION OF TIME

Not possible for filing oppositions, counter oppositions, and responding to office actions

TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS

Paris Convention, Madrid Protocol


REGISTRATION

Filing Requirements

  • Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified

What you need to know

  • POA must be submitted at the time of filing
  • Priority document may be submitted within 3 months from filing date

RENEWAL

Filing Requirements

  • Simple copy of latest certificate of registration

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of change of name/address, notarized with verified English or French translation
  • Simple copy of latest certificate of registration

ASSIGNMENT

Filing Requirements

What you need to know

  • Trademarks may be assigned with or without the goodwill of the business concerned

MERGER

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of merger, legalized with verified English or French translation

LICENSE

Filing Requirements

  • License agreement, notarized with French translation

What you need to know

  • License recordal is not compulsory but advisable in order to be effective against third parties

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

EQUIVALENT SEARCH

Granted and published inventions in the Official Gazette to be searched by title, subject matter, applicant and priority/ PCT number

EXAMINATION

As to form and utility of invention

PUBLICATION

Applications are not published prior to 18 months from the filing date or the earliest priority

OPPOSITION

No provisions

ANNUITIES

Due annually on the anniversary of the international filing date. 6 months grace period for late payment with a surcharge

PROTECTION TERM

20 years from international filing date


REGISTRATION

Filing Requirements

  • Specification and abstract in English or French in triplicate; 3 sets of formal drawings
  • Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified
  • Original or certified copy of deed of assignment

What you need to know

  • Copy of POA must be submitted at the time of filing; original POA may be submitted within 3 months from filing date
  • Priority document may be submitted within 3 months from filing date

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of change of name/address, certified

ASSIGNMENT

Filing Requirements

  • Deed of assignment, certified

MERGER

Filing Requirements

  • Certificate of merger, certified

LICENSE

Filing Requirements

  • License agreement, certified

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NO STATUTORY LAWS

No statutory laws on designs are in force in OAPI



Saba House, Saïd Freiha Street, Hazmieh, Beirut, Lebanon

P.O. Box 11-9421

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