Democratic Republic of Congo

Intellectual Property
Smit & Van Wyk Patent, Trademark & Registered Designs

Intellectual Property in Democratic Republic of Congo

Smit & Van Wyk assists with the protection of Intellectual Property in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the filing, prosecution and enforcement of patents, designs, trade marks, copyright and plant breeders’ rights. Our team of Intellectual Property attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources to give expert legal advice regarding your Intellectual Property portfolio. We can assist with the protection, prosecution and enforcement thereof. It is our mission to provide unparalleled service to our treasured clients by developing dynamic solutions which are tailored to suit individual Intellectual Property needs. The key to achieving this lies with our vibrant people, who are eager to go beyond the call of duty.

Patent Attorneys, Patent Registration, Patents

Patents

Democratic Republic of Congo patents have a duration of 20 years from date of filing but for pharmaceutical inventions the patent has a duration of 15 years. Democratic Republic of Congo is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property). A patent can also be acquired by registering a granted foreign patent in the DRC (patent of importation).

Types of Patents:

  • Patents of Invention
  • Patents of Addition
  • Patents of Importation/Introduction

Methods of medical diagnosis, treatment or surgery are not patentable. 

Trade Marks

Democratic Republic of Congo trade marks are valid for 10 years from the filing date and are renewable every 10 years thereafter. Democratic Republic of Congo is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property).

Types of Trade Marks:

  • Standard marks
  • Collective marks

The most current edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services is followed. Multi-class applications are possible.

Trademark Attorneys, Trademark Registration, Trademarks

Industrial Designs

Democratic Republic of Congo designs have an initial term of 5 years from date of filing, with possible extension of a further term of 5 years. Democratic Republic of Congo  is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property).

Types of Designs:

  • Industrial Designs

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