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  • Intellectual property framework

    Overview

    Intellectual property is a right protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Angola. The fundamental intellectual property framework in Angola is provided in 2 main acts: the Legal Regime for the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights and the Industrial Property Law.

  • Commercial contract framework

    Overview

    Angolan law lays down a general principle of contractual freedom, which means that parties are mostly free to establish the terms and conditions to be observed by the contracts they enter into (exceptions are made to mandatory rules legally imposed which will depend on the specific contractual relationship) and are entitled to enter into contracts provided for in the law, but also into contracts that are not provided for in the law.

    Angolan law does not establish a unitary act or set of rules applicable to all commercial contracts. Depending on the specific contractual relationship, commercial contracts may be subject to the provisions of the Civil Code, Commercial Code, Copyright and Related Rights Law, and the Industrial Property Law as well as other specific legislation.

    The aforementioned set of rules changes according to the specific contract in question.

  • Copyrights

    Nature of right

    Copyright covers original literary, scientific and artistic intellectual creations, or works. Registration is not required for the acquisition or maintenance of copyright rights; however, there are certain specific copyright-related acts subject to registration in order to be valid.

    In Angola, copyright comprises economic and moral rights.

    In the scope of economic rights, copyright owners have the exclusive right to use, enjoy and dispose of their work, or to authorize the use of the work, wholly or in part, by third parties.

    Moral rights consist in the right to claim authorship of the work, as well as the right to ensure its genuineness and integrity.

    Legal framework

    Copyrights are governed by Law No. 15/14 of July 31, which introduced the Legal Regime for the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights.

    Duration of right

    As general rule, moral copyrights are unlimited in time and, therefore, are inalienable and imprescriptible. With respect to economic copyrights, copyright protection lasts for a term of 70 years, counted as of January 1 of the first year after the death of the author, as well as through the life of the author.

    In the case of works in collaboration, copyright expires 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. As per collective works or works originally assigned to a corporate person, copyright expires 70 years from the date of the first licit publication or disclosure, except if the individuals who create it were identified in the version of the work available to the public.

    For an anonymous work, or work that was legally published or disclosed without identifying the respective author, protection is for 70 years after publication or disclosure.

    Please note that, with respect to applied arts and photographic works, economic copyrights protection lasts for a term of 45 years, counted as of January 1 of the first year after the death of the author.

    Economic copyrights related to a broadcaster last up to 35th calendar year after the broadcast.

    Ownership / licenses

    Moral rights are inalienable.

    The copyright owner, as well as their successors or assignees, may authorize the use of the work by third parties or assign economic rights, wholly or partially.

    Granting an authorization to third parties in order for them to divulge, publish, use or explore the work does not imply the transfer of copyright rights.

    Authorization shall only be granted in writing, mandatorily including the parties involved, the title and type of the work, the rights concerned, the duration, place and price conditions.

    Please note that the assigns are only effective against third parties when registered.

    Remedies for infringement

    The copyright owner may request payment of compensation by the agent for damages and losses to repair the damage suffered as a result the infringement, as well as payment of expenses caused by that infringement, which may include legal expenses.

    The amount of the compensation is determined in accordance with the civil liability regime provided for by the Angolan Civil Code, taking into account the amount of material and moral damage suffered by the copyright owner, as well as the profit obtained by the offender.

    When it is proven that the infringing copies affect a right, the Court may order, ensuring that the penalty is proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and taking into account the legitimate interests of third parties, the destruction of those copies and their packaging or their elimination of trade channels by any other reasonable means, without compensation of any kind, in order to avoid any damage to the copyright owner.

  • Mask works / topographies

    Nature of right

    Mask works and topographies are not separately protected under Angolan law. They may be protected under patent law or by way of confidentiality.

    Legal framework

    Angolan has enacted no specific rules on protection of mask works or topographies. Although Angola is part of the WTO and has approved the TRIPS Agreement, it has not yet implemented any rules on mask works or topographies protection.

    Semiconductor technology, generally, and topographies, in particular, may be protected under the traditional intellectual property rules applicable to all types of technology, particularly patent law and the rules on confidential information. Therefore, matters such as the duration of the relevant rights, ownership and remedies depend on the type of protection used in connection with each specific mask work or topography.

    Duration of right

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Ownership / licenses

     Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Remedies for infringement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Patents

    Nature of right

    Patent rights cover new inventions, in all fields of technology, provided that they are new, involve an inventive step and are susceptible of industrial application.

    An invention shall be considered new if it does not form part of the state of the art, which comprises everything, inside or outside the country, made available to the public by means of a written or oral description, by use, or in any other way, before the date of filling of the patent application.

    An invention shall be considered involving an inventive step if it is not obvious to a person skilled in the art.

    An invention shall be considered susceptible of industrial application if it can be made or used in any kind of industry, including agriculture, fishing and handicraft.

    A national patent confers on its owner the exclusive right to exploit the patented invention in Angolan territory.

    Legal framework

    Patents are governed by the following:

    • Chapter II, the Industrial Property Law (Articles 2 to 14)
    • Membership of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), approved by Resolution No. 9/84 of July 20
    • Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property – approved by Resolution No. 22/05 of August 19
    • Cooperation Treaty patent (PCT) approved by Resolution No. 22/05 of August 19 and
    • Membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO), hence the TRIPS Agreement (Accession November 23, 1996).

    Duration of right

    Patent protection is granted up to a maximum period of 15 years from the date of filling of the patent application.

    Ownership / licenses

    Patents can be transferred in writing, by means of public deed, whether or not for financial reward.

    Patents may also be licensed in writing, wholly or partially, whether or not for financial reward, on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.

    Transfer of ownership and licenses shall be recorded in the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property to be effective against third parties.

    Remedies for infringement

    Whenever there is violation of or justified fear that another party may cause serious and difficult-to-repair harm to an industrial property right, including patent rights, the court may, at request of the interested party, order the appropriate measures to prevent any imminent violation or to prohibit continuation of the violation.

    Whoever illegally violates the industrial property rights of another person with intent or by negligence shall be obliged to pay a compensation to the injured party for damages resulting from the violation.

    In determining the amount of compensation for losses and damages, the court shall take into account the profit obtained by the infringer and the resulting damages and lost profits suffered by the injured party. The costs borne out of protection of the right in question and the investigation and termination of the harmful conduct shall also be taken in consideration, as well as personal injury.

    Infringement of the exclusive right granted by a patent may be also punishable as crime with imprisonment up to 6 months or a fine.

  • Trademarks

    Nature of right

    A trademark is a sign that distinguishes a company's goods or services, from the goods and services provided by other companies. There are 3 types of trademarks, namely:

    • Nominative: when constituted by letter(s) or word(s)
    • Figurative: consisting of figures or images and
    • Mixed: when it includes a combination of figures and words or letters in its constitution.

    The registered trademark confers to the owner, the right to prevent third parties that do not have their consent from using in the course of trade any sign which is identical or similar to the trademark in relation to goods and/or services which are identical or similar to those for which the trademark is registered.

    Legal framework

    Trademarks are governed by the following:

    • Chapter II, the Industrial Property Law (Articles 29 to 40)
    • Membership of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), approved by Resolution No. 9/84 of July 20
    • Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property – approved by Resolution No. 22/05 of August 19 and
    • Membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO), hence the TRIPS Agreement (Accession November 23, 1996).

    Angola is not a party to either the Madrid Agreement or the Madrid Protocol. As such, International Registrations (IRs) cannot be extended to Angola. Angola's accession to the Madrid Agreement and/or the Madrid Protocol is currently the subject of consultation, but the position is unlikely to change for a number of years to come.

    Duration of right

    National trademark registrations remain valid for 10 years starting from the date of filing of the application and may be indefinitely renewed for equal periods.

    Ownership / licenses

    Trademarks can be transferred in writing, wholly or partially, whether or not for financial reward. A transfer of the whole of the undertaking shall include the transfer of the trademark except where there is agreement to the contrary or circumstances clearly dictate otherwise.

    Trademarks may also be licensed in writing, wholly or partially, whether or not for financial reward, on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.

    Transfer of ownership and licenses must be recorded in the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property to be effective against third parties.

    Remedies for infringement

    Whenever there is violation of or justified fear that another party may cause serious and difficult-to-repair harm to an industrial property right, including trademarks, the court may, at request of the interested party, order appropriate measures to prevent any imminent violation or to prohibit continuation of the violation.

    Whoever illegally violates the industrial property rights of another person with intent or by negligence shall be obliged to pay a compensation to the injured party for the damages resulting from the violation.

    In determining the amount of compensation for losses and damages, the court shall take into account the profit obtained by the infringer and the resulting damages and lost profits suffered by the injured party. The costs borne out of protection of the right in question and the investigation and termination of the harmful conduct shall also be taken in consideration, as well as personal injury.

    Trademark infringement is punishable as crime with imprisonment up to 3 months or a fine.

  • Trade secrets

    Nature of right

    Trade secrets are not protected as property in Angola. However, the Angolan Industrial Property Law, in the chapter related to Crimes of Unfair Competition, characterizes as crimes certain conducts involving the unauthorized use of trade secrets. As a result, there is legal protection against the violation of trade secrets.

    Legal framework

    Trade secrets are addressed in article 73 of the Angolan Industrial Property Law.

    Duration of right

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Ownership / licenses

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Remedies for infringement

    Remedies available for infringement of trade secrets can include criminal remedies (imprisonment and monetary fine) and civil remedies (injunction to prevent the continuation of infringements and damages).

    Trade secret violation is punishable with a fine, if a more serious sanction does not apply by applying the provisions of the penal code and Law No. 9/89 (Law on Crimes Against the Economy).

  • Other key IP rights

    Nature of right

    Design

    Industrial design means any new arrangement or set of lines or colors that, for industrial or commercial purposes, can be applied to the ornamentation of a product by any manual, mechanical, chemical, simple or combined process.

    The registered design confers to the owner the right to prevent third parties that do not have their consent from using it. The aforementioned use shall cover, in particular, the making, offering, putting on the market, importing, exporting or using of a product in which the design is incorporated or to which it is applied, or stocking such a product for those purposes.

    Industrial designs

    Industrial designs

    Legal framework

    Design

    Designs are governed by Chapter III of the Industrial Property Law (Articles 15 to 28).

    Duration of right

    Design

    Designs registrations remain valid for 5 years starting from the date of filing of the application and may be renewed for 2 consecutive times of 5 years each.

    Ownership / licenses

    Design

    Designs may be licensed in writing, wholly or partially, whether or not for financial reward, on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.

    Transfer of ownership and licenses must be recorded in the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property to be effective against third parties.

    Remedies for infringement

    Design

    Whenever there is violation of or justified fear that another party may cause serious and difficult-to-repair harm to an industrial property right, including designs, the court may, at request of the interested party, order appropriate measures to prevent any imminent violation or to prohibit continuation of the violation.

    Whoever illegally violates the industrial property rights of another person with intent or by negligence shall be obliged to pay a compensation to the injured party for the damages resulting from the violation.

    In determining the amount of compensation for losses and damages, the court shall take into account the profit obtained by the infringer and the resulting damages and lost profits suffered by the injured party. The costs borne out of protection of the right in question and the investigation and termination of the harmful conduct shall also be taken in consideration, as well as personal injury.

    Infringement of the exclusive right granted by a registered design may be punishable with a fine.

  • Intellectual property in employment context

    Employees

    As a general rule, the copyright over a work made under a labor agreement or in compliance with functional obligations is determined by agreement between the parties. In case no agreement exists, it is presumed that the ownership over the work belongs to the respective intellectual creator. In cases where there is a service provision contract, the property rights over the work are transferred to the contractor or entity represented by it.

    The right to patent shall belong to the inventor or their successors in title. Notwithstanding, if an invention was made during the performance of an employment contract in which inventive activity is provided for, the right to the patent belongs to the employer.

    Consultants / contractors

    In principle, consultants and contractors will retain ownership of the intellectual property developed by them, unless otherwise agreed by the parties or provided for in the law.

  • Key commercial contract considerations

    Registration of commercial agreements

    There are no general registration requirements for commercial contracts under Angolan law; however, certain exceptions may arise. Furthermore, Industrial Property Rights licenses are subject to registration within the Angolan Industrial Property Institute (IAPI) in order to be enforceable against third parties.

    Recognized language of commercial agreements

    There are no general requirements under Angolan law that provide that contracts must be written in Portuguese. However, in certain cases – for instance, contracts with consumers – the Portuguese language is mandatory, and, if the contract is to be used in specific situations – for example, for purposes of evidence in court or used with public authorities – translation to Portuguese is required.

    Country-specific issues for online content

    Electronic contracts are regulated under Presidential Decree No. 202/11 of July 22.

    Enforceability of online/clickwrap/shrinkwrap terms

    Contracts may be concluded electronically, provided that it does not affect its validity or effectiveness due to the use of this medium. Please note that general contractual clauses requiring electronic conclusion of consumer contracts are prohibited.

    The provider shall make available to the recipients, before the conclusion, unambiguous minimum information including (i) the contract conclusion process, (ii) whether or not the contract is stored by the service provider and accessibility by the recipient, (iii) the language or languages in which the contract may be concluded, (iv) the technical means which the provider makes available so that errors of introduction which may be contained in the order form may be identified and corrected, (v) the contractual terms and general clauses of the contract to be concluded, (vi) the codes of conduct subscribed and information on how to consult them electronically  and (vii) the effective technical means which allows the recipient to identify and correct inserted errors.

    Governing law

    The interpretation and enforceability of contracts is a matter of governing law. The choice of law by the parties is accepted as a general principle, except when otherwise provided for by law; please, however, note that, in certain cases, there are rules of mandatory application – for instance, in the scope of contracts concluded with consumers.

  • Key commercial contract terms

    Enforceability of warranty disclaimers

    This will depend on the specific warranty. Notwithstanding, the law may provide some restrictions on the enforceability of warranty disclaimers (eg, for reasons of consumer protection).

    Enforceability of exclusions/limitations of liability indemnification

    As general rule, the enforceability of exclusions or limitation of liability is limited under Angolan law. According to civil law, limitation of liability or exclusion of liability concerns the grounds of liability itself and the damages and losses. The law is not absolutely clear when dealing with the matter; therefore, some hold the opinion that the law does not prevent clauses limiting or excluding liability for acts of mere negligence, while others suggest that all clauses of exclusion or limitation are completely null and void.

    Indemnification

    Indemnification clauses in contracts are, in principle, enforceable, but may be subject to restrictions provided for in the law. It is relatively common to stipulate in commercial agreements that the indemnifying party will indemnify and hold harmless the other party against claims of third parties related to the subject matter of the agreement.

    Electronic signatures

    According to Angolan law, a qualified electronic signature is equivalent to an autographic signature in paper documents. An electronic document shall only be deemed to be signed for purposes of evidence where it meets the requirements set by the law on electronic signature and certification.

  • Key contacts
    Murillo Costa Sanches
    Murillo Costa Sanches
    Of Counsel DLA Piper [email protected] T +351 213 583 659 View bio
    Joni Garcia
    Joni Garcia
    Associate DLA Piper ADCA Angola [email protected] T +244 926 612 525

Trademarks

Legal framework

Angola

Trademarks are governed by the following:

  • Chapter II, the Industrial Property Law (Articles 29 to 40)
  • Membership of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), approved by Resolution No. 9/84 of July 20
  • Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property – approved by Resolution No. 22/05 of August 19 and
  • Membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO), hence the TRIPS Agreement (Accession November 23, 1996).

Angola is not a party to either the Madrid Agreement or the Madrid Protocol. As such, International Registrations (IRs) cannot be extended to Angola. Angola's accession to the Madrid Agreement and/or the Madrid Protocol is currently the subject of consultation, but the position is unlikely to change for a number of years to come.

Argentina

Trademarks are governed by the Trademark Law – Law 22,362, as amended.

In addition, trademarks are protected by the rules included in Trips Agreement and in the Paris Convention.

Australia

Australian trademark law is sourced from the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) (TMA) as well as common law use-based rights, which provide protection for unregistered rights under the common law tort of passing off.

Trade practices legislation, principally Australian Consumer Law contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA), provides additional remedies to trademark owners of registered and unregistered trademarks.

Registered trademarks may be signified through use of the ® symbol. Unregistered trademarks may be signified through use of the TM symbol.

Australia is a party to the Trademark Law Treaty, the Madrid System, the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, and the Nice Agreement.

Austria

The Austrian Trademark Act (Markenschutzgesetz) protects registered trademarks. Non-registered trademarks, in Austria termed "signs," may have protection according to Article 9 of the Austrian Act on Unfair Competition.

Austria became a member of the Madrid Agreement in 1909 and Madrid Protocol in 1999. Austria signed the Trademark Law Treaty in 1994.

Belgium

Benelux trademarks are governed by the Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property of February 25, 2005. An update thereof was effected through the implementation of the Directive (EU) 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 16, 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trademarks. This Directive has been implemented pursuant to a protocol signed by the Benelux member states on December 11, 2017 in the Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property and has entered into force on March 1, 2019.

In respect of European Union trademarks (EUTM), the last update occurred with Regulation (EU) 2015/2424 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 16, 2015 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 on the Community trade mark and Commission Regulation (EC) No 2868/95 implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 40/94 on the Community trade mark, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 2869/95 on the fees payable to the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs), which came into force on March 23, 2016 and, for a number of provisions, on October 1, 2017. Most notably, it included a name change for the traditional Community trademarks (CTM) to European Union trademarks (EUTM) as well as a name change for the OHIM to EUIPO. Considering the multiple and substantial amendments, Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 has now been codified in Council Regulation (EC) No 2017/1001 of June 14, 2017 on the European Union trade mark.

 

Brazil

Trademarks are governed by the Federal Constitution (Article 5, XXIX) and Federal Law no. 9,279/96 (the Industrial Property Law).

Brazil is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol since 2019.

Brazil is not a party to the Trademark Law Treaty of 1994.

Canada

The Canadian Trademarks Act governs federal trademark law. It codifies the common law tort of passing off and accords further rights to registered trademark owners. For instance, the owner of a registered trademark has the exclusive right to use the trademark throughout Canada with the goods or services listed in the registration. Owners of registered trademarks receive additional protection against use of their mark in a manner that is likely to depreciate the value of the goodwill attaching to the mark and against use by others of a confusing trademark or trade name.

All trademarks, whether registered or not, are protected under the common law tort of passing off. Protection under common law arises when the mark has acquired a reputation or goodwill in the marketplace.

Canadian law does not explicitly require the use of symbols to denote trademark usage. However, “TM” is conventionally used to signify that a mark, whether registered or unregistered, is a trademark, and “®” symbolizes a registered trademark. The equivalent symbols in French are “MC” for unregistered marks and “MD” for registered marks.

In 2019, Canada formally acceded to the Singapore Treaty, the Madrid Protocol and the Nice Agreement. As a result, trademark owners in Canada can apply for trademark protection in more than 100 jurisdictions through a single application, in 1 language, with 1 set of fees and in 1 currency.

Goods and services identified in a Canadian trademark application must be classified according to the Nice Classification system.

Chile

(a) At the national level: Law No. 19.039 on Industrial Property and Supreme Decree 82 of 2022.

(b) At the international level: WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, Madrid Protocol, TRIPS Agreement.

The authority responsible for registration is the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI). After registration, any mark used in commerce must visibly display the words "Marca Registrada" or the initials "M.R." or the letter "R" within a circle. The omission of this does not affect the validity of the registered trademark but deprives the rights holder of the power to enforce criminal penalties. Using a brand not registered with these indications (“M.R.” or “R” within a circle, or its simulation) for commercial purposes is punished with fines up to UTM1,000 (approximately USD70,000).

China

The PRC Trademark Law (as amended in 2019) and its Implementing Regulations are primary legislations. Judicial interpretations issued by the Supreme People's Court also provide detailed rules in respect of application of the Trademark Law.

China became party to Paris Convention in 1985. China became member of the Madrid Agreement in 1989 and a member of the Madrid Protocol in 1995.

Colombia

Trademarks are governed by Decision 486 of 2000 issued by CAN and by the Sole Circular issued by the Superintendency of Industry and Trade. In addition, Colombia became party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks and Trademark Law Treaty (TLT).

Czech Republic

Trademarks are governed by the Trademarks Act.

Denmark

Trademarks are governed by:

  • The Trademark Act (LBK 88 29/01/2019) based on the EU Directive 2015/2436/EU. The Act allows a trademark right to be obtained through registration or use

  • Executive Order on Application and registration etc. of trademarks (BKG 1685 18/12/2018)

  • The Act concerning amendment of the Trademark Act and various other acts and termination of the Act on Standardization Marks (LOV 1533 18/12/2018)

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017 on the European Union trade mark 

  • Directive (EU) No 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and the Council of December 16, 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trademarks

Denmark signed the Paris Convention in 1894.

Denmark has also signed the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT), the Nice Arrangement and the Madrid Agreement and Protocol.

Finland

The Finnish Trademark Act and the Finnish Trademarks Decree govern the protection of both unregistered and registered national trademarks. An unregistered trademark is protected only if it may be considered widely known among the relevant consumer group at which it is directed.

The Finnish Trademark Act and the Finnish Trademarks Decree were recently revised; the revised Act and Decree came into force in 2019. The objective of the revision was to implement the amendments required by the EU Trademark Directive 2015/2436. An additional objective was the ratification of the Singapore Treaty on the Laws of Trademarks.

The Finnish Penal Code also governs trademark infringement crimes.

The European Council Regulation on the European Community trademark governs the use and registration of European Community trademarks.

Finland is a member of the Madrid Protocol, Trademark Law Treaty and Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks as well as a signatory of the Paris Convention, TRIPS Agreement and the Nice Agreement.

France

Trademarks are governed by Part VII of the French Intellectual Property Code including notably:

  1. Law No. 64-1360 on Trademarks and Services Marks, dated December 31, 1964; Law No. 91-7 on Trademarks and Services Marks, dated January 4, 1991; and Law No. 2014-315 Reinforcing the Fight Against Counterfeiting, dated March 11, 2014 .
  2. EU Regulation 2017/1001 and Directive 2015/2436 on the European Union Trademark, dated December 16, 2015.
  3. The reform of trademark law resulting from the transposition of the "trademark package" was implemented by Order No. 2019-1169 of November 13, 2019 and its implementing decree. These texts largely modify the provisions of Part VII of the Intellectual Property Code to create a new trademark law.

France became a member of the Madrid Agreement in 1892.

France became a member of the Madrid Protocol in 1997.

France became party to the Trademark Law Treaty in 1995.

Following approval by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, the Regulation on the protection of geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products (GIPAI) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 27, 2023.

It creates a single system of protection for industrial and artisanal products throughout the European Union, following the example of agri-food geographical indications.

This regulation will come into force in December 2025, and will complement the French system in place since 2014 and operated by the INPI. The INPI will continue to examine applications at national level, before forwarding them to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for registrations at European level. The INPI will also be able to transform geographical indications already registered locally, directly at European level, without having to carry out a new registration procedure.

Germany

The German Trademark Act (Markengesetz) governs national trademarks and Union Trademark Regulation governs Union Trademarks. The national laws of the EU member states are harmonized to a high degree.

Germany became party to the Paris Convention in 1903, to the Madrid Agreement in 1922 and to the Madrid Protocol in 1996.

Germany became party to the Trademark Law Treaty in 2004.

Hong Kong, SAR

The Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559) governs trademarks. Hong Kong is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, the international trademarks registration system. The Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance 2020, which amended the Trade Marks Ordinance, was gazetted in June 2020, and provides a basis for the application of the Madrid Protocol in Hong Kong. The relevant provisions implementing the Madrid Protocol in Hong Kong will come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development after completion of all the necessary preparatory work for its implementation. Once it is fully implemented, trademark owners in other Madrid Protocol member jurisdictions will be able to designate Hong Kong in international trademark applications filed through the Madrid Protocol and vice versa.

Hungary

Act No. 11 of 1997 on the Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications.

As a result of its membership of the European Union, the following law applies in Hungary:

i. The Trademark Directive

ii. The Trademark Regulation

India

India is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol, and the law governing trademarks in India is the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Indonesia

Law Number 20 of 2016 on Trademarks and Geographical Indication as lastly amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 on Enactment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 on Job Creation into Law (Trademark Law) is the governing statute on trademarks. Indonesia became a signatory to the Trademark Law Treaty in 1997.

Ireland

In Ireland:

  • Irish registered trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act 1996 (as amended) and
  • European Union Trade Marks are governed by Regulation EU/2017/1001

Ireland ratified the Madrid protocol in 2001 and became a signatory to the Trademark Law Treaty in 1999.

Accordingly, trademarks can be registered nationally in Ireland or at a European level, which affords the registered owner protection on a pan-European basis.

For unregistered trademarks and logos, it is possible to obtain legal protection under the common law tort of passing off.

Israel

Trade Marks Ordinance [New Version] 1972 is the governing statute; rights in unregistered trademarks may also be enforced by means of the tort of passing off under the Commercial Torts Law 1999.

Italy

Sections 2569 to 2574 of the Italian Civil Code and Section 7 and subsequent of the Industrial Property Code regulate the protection of trademarks.

EU Regulation No. 1001 of 2017 applies to EU trademarks.

Italy is also party to the main community and international trademark treaties and conventions, such as the Paris Convention, Madrid Agreement and Protocol, Nice Agreement and TRIPS Agreement.

Japan

The Trademark Act (Act No. 127 of 1959) governs trademarks.

Japan joined the Madrid Protocol in 2000.

Japan joined the Trademark Law Treaty in 1997.

Luxembourg

There is no Luxembourg trademark system per se. Luxembourg is party to the Benelux Convention, and as such, Benelux trademarks are in effect in Luxembourg alongside EU trademarks and international trademarks designating Benelux.

Trademarks are governed by the Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property of 25 February 2005 as approved by the Law of 16 May 2006, as amended.

The Directive (EU) 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and the Council of 16 December 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trademarks has been implemented in Luxembourg through the Law of November 17, 2016 and the Law of July 20, 2018 approving the protocol amending the Benelux Convention in the field of intellectual property.

Furthermore, as far as EU trademarks are concerned, Regulation (EU) 2015/2424 of the European Parliament amending Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 on the Community trademark and Community Regulation (EC) No 40/94 on the Community trademark, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 2869/95 on the fees payable to the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, has now come into force. Most notably, it included a name change for the traditional Community marks to European Union marks as well as a change from the traditional OHIM to EUIPO.

Also, the European Union trademark regime, which is applicable across all EU Member States, is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017; Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/625 of March 5, 2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 regulate the European trademark regime, which is applicable across all EU Member States; and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/626 of March 5, 2018 lays down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001.

Finally, on October 27, 2023 the Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 18, 2023 on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and amending Regulations (EU) 2017/1001 and (EU) 2019/1753 (“Regulation”) was published.

This Regulation introduces a new EU intellectual property right, extending the protection for geographical indications (“GI”) to craft and industrial products. Previously, only agricultural products, wine and spirit drinks could enjoy EU GI protection, and only a few Member States had implemented a dedicated legal framework at national level to acknowledge and safeguard GI’s for craft and industrial products

Mexico

Trademarks are governed by the Fourth Title of the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property (Ley Federal de Protección a la Propiedad Industrial).

Netherlands

Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property governs Benelux trademarks, the European Union Trademark Regulation (EU/2017/1001) of 2017 and European Union Trademark Directive (EU//2015/2436) of 2015 both cover European Union trademarks (also applicable in the Benelux territory).

New Zealand

The Trade Marks Act 2002 governs registered trademark rights. Registered marks are signified by the symbol ®, and the ™ symbol can be used to indicate a trader's intention to register a mark as a trademark. Trademark owners have the exclusive right to use, license or sell the trademark and can prevent others from using the same mark, or a similar mark, usually in relation to the same or similar goods and services.

The Fair Trading Act 1986 and the common law tort of "passing off" provide additional remedies to trade mark owners of registered and unregistered marks.

New Zealand is a party of the Madrid Protocol, Madrid Agreement for the Repression of False or Deceptive Indications of Source on Goods, Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, TRIPS Agreement and Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purpose of Registration of Marks.

Nigeria

  • Trademarks Act 1965
  • The Trademarks Regulation 1967 (and amendments thereto)
  • The Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2023

Priority

Nigeria is a signatory to the Paris Convention. Section 44 of the Nigerian Trademark Act provides for the registration of trademarks based on foreign priority. However, Nigeria has yet to declare or specify convention countries in its gazette in order to acquire statutory recognition. While the registrations may be processed, their enforceability at this point in time is in doubt.

Norway

Norway has implemented the Directive 2008/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trademarks.

Norway has adopted changes in the Norwegian Trademark Act in order to implement Directive 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trademarks. The Directive is more technology-neutral in terms of what may be registed as a trademark, and the previous requirement that the trademark must be able to be “reproduced graphically” will be removed.

Other changes include the following:

  • A trademark registration may be valid even if it acquired distinctive character after the application date.
  • Introduction of “bad faith” as absolute ground for refusal.
  • Non-use can be used as a defense in the same case as an invalidity or objection case.
  • Trademarks in black and white no longer have protection for all colors.
  •  Possibility to mortgage a trademark separately.

The changes will enter into force March 1, 2023. Alongside the new changes, Norway will also sign the Singapore Treaty.

Norway has additionally signed the Paris Convention, the TRIPS Agreement, the Madrid Protocol and the Nice Agreement.

Peru

Trademarks are governed by the Industrial Property Law (Legislative Decree No. 1075).

Philippines

The IPC provides protection for marks in general.

Registered marks are signified by the symbol ®. To indicate that a visual sign is being used as a mark, the symbol ™ may be used.

Republic Act No. 8203, or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, considers as counterfeit the drug itself, or the container or labeling thereof bearing without authorization the trademark, trade name or other identification that is owned or registered in the name of another person.

The Philippines ratified the Madrid Protocol on March 27, 2012 and came into force in the country on July 25, 2012.

Poland

In Poland, a trademark owner may pursue claims on the basis of the Industrial Property Law and the Act on Combating Unfair Competition.

In the case of EU trademarks, EU Regulation 2017/1001 of June 14, 2017 on the European Union trade mark applies.

Poland is also a signatory of the Madrid Agreement (since March 18, 1991) and the Madrid Protocol (since March 4, 1997).

Portugal

Trademarks are governed by:

  • Title II, Chapter IV of the Industrial Property Code (Articles 208 to 269)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the European Union trademark

Portugal became party to the Paris Convention in 1884.

Portugal became member of the Madrid Agreement in 1893.

Portugal became member of the Madrid Protocol in 1997.

Romania

Law no. 84 of March 30, 1998 on trademarks and geographical indications provides protection for registered marks.

Romania became a member of the Madrid Protocol in 1989 and the Trademark Law Treaty in 1998.

Russia

Part IV of the Russian Civil Code governs trademarks.

Russia is a member of the Singapore Treaty and Madrid Convention and Protocol.

Saudi Arabia

With effect from September 29, 2016, the KSA adopted the GCC Trademark Law (Law No. 1/1437 of 13 Dhu'l-Hijjah 1437 H, corresponding to September 29, 2016) and its Implementing Regulations (GCC Trademark Law). The GCC Trademark Law replaces the former KSA Trademark Law that was in place since 2002.

Note that the GCC Trademark Law does not establish a unitary registration system – it contains a single set of provisions which apply across all GCC countries, but it does not envisage a single registration or enforcement system (ie, a GCC mark will still require 6 separate, national applications).

Singapore

Trade mark registration in Singapore is governed by the Trade Marks Act 1998. It is not compulsory to register a trade mark in Singapore. One may also rely on rights under the common law doctrine of "passing off" to protect a trade mark.

The Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks was adopted on March 27, 2006 and came into force on March 16, 2009. Singapore acceded to the Madrid Protocol on July 31, 2000, and it came into force in Singapore on October 31, 2000. This means that an entity can file a single trademark application in Singapore and extend the trademark protection to multiple jurisdictions. Similarly, trademark owners in other Madrid Protocol member jurisdictions can extend their trademark protection to Singapore.

Applicants may file trademark registration across multiple goods and services. Prior to the passing of the Intellectual Property (Amendment) Act 2022, if the trademark examiner had objections to the application in respect of some of the goods or services, these objections may hold up the whole application. However, the Intellectual Property (Amendment) Act 2022 now allows the IPOS to partially accept an application, ie, to allow registration of trademark in respect of the goods and services that have not received any objections.

Slovak Republic

The Slovak Act No. 506/2009 Coll. on trademarks, as amended (Act on Trademarks) governs the rights and obligations relating to the legal protection of national trademarks and trademark proceedings in front of the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic (Industrial Property Office).

Slovakia, as a member of the European Union, implemented EU directives on the trademarks into the Act on Trademarks. Therefore, the registration of an EU trademark in the EU register has the same effect in the territory of the Slovak Republic as if the trademark was registered in the Slovak register of trademarks. The Slovak Republic is signatory of several international agreements as well, including:

  • Paris Convention
  • Madrid Agreement
  • Nice Agreement
  • Trademark Law Treaty

South Korea

Protection of trademarks is governed by the TMA and the UCPA.

Spain

In Spain, the main law regulating trademark protection is the Law 17/2001 on Trademarks, modified by Royal Decree-Law 23/2018 (changes effective from January 14, 2019). Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas) has the authority to grant trademarks as well as patents.

The "International System" comprises the Madrid Agreement of 1891 and the Protocol to the Madrid Agreement of 1989 administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Since it is not, strictly speaking, an international registration, the applicant must designate the countries in which they wish to obtain protection.

The European Union Trademark system provides a single registration which confers direct protection in all the Member countries of the European Union through a single application and a unitary procedure.

Sweden

The Swedish Trademark Act (2010:1877) ( Varumärkeslag) pertains to the protection of unregistered and registered Swedish trademarks. An unregistered mark is protected if it becomes known as a trademark for the goods or services provided under the mark to a significant part of the relevant public.

Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the European Union trademark.

Sweden became member of the Madrid Protocol in 1995. Sweden became party to the Trademark Law Treaty in 1995.

Sweden acceded the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks in 2011.

Sweden has also signed the Paris Convention, the TRIPS Agreement and the Nice Agreement.

Switzerland

Trademarks (and indications of source) are governed by the Federal Trademark Protection Act and Federal Ordinance on Trademarks. Switzerland is also a member of the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol.

Taiwan, China

The Trademark Act was promulgated on May 6, 1930. Taiwan is a member of WTO and follows the TRIPS. However, Taiwan is not a member of the Madrid Protocol.

The grant of a trademark is based on the registration of a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Ukraine

The trademark rights in Ukraine are regulated by the Civil Code of Ukraine dated January 16, 2003 along with the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services" dated December 15, 1993. In addition, Ukraine is a member to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, Trademark Law Treaty, the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks and the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks and Madrid Protocol.

United Arab Emirates

Trademarks are governed by Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 as amended by Federal Law No. 8 of 2002 as amended (Trademark Law).

The UAE is party to the Paris Convention and the TRIPS Agreement. The UAE is not party to the Madrid Protocol.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom became member of the Madrid Protocol in 1995.

The United Kingdom became party to the Trademark Law Treaty in 1996.

Trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act 1994, as amended.

United States

The Lanham Act provides federal protection for unregistered and registered marks. Registered marks are signified by the symbol ®. Federal registration requires use in interstate commerce.

Common law marks are enforced by state law and are signified by the symbol ™.

State registrations are available for marks used in individual states.

The US became a member of the Madrid Protocol in 2003 and to the Trademark Law Treaty in 2009.