Egypt
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property in Egypt
Smit & Van Wyk assists with the protection of Intellectual Property in Egypt, 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.
Egypt patents have a duration of 20 years from date of filing. Annual renewal fees are payable every year from the first anniversary of the filing date (in advance). Egypt is a member of the PCT and the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property).
Types of Patents:
- Patents of Invention
- Patents of Addition
- National Phase PCT Application
Methods of medical diagnosis, treatment or surgery are not patentable.
Egypt trade marks are valid for 10 years from the filing date and renewable for further periods of 10 years. Egypt is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property) and the Madrid Protocol (an international system for obtaining trade mark protection for a number of regions through a single application).
Types of Trade Marks:
- Standard marks
- Collective marks
- Certification marks
The most current edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services is followed.
Industrial Designs
Egypt designs have an initial term of 10 years from date of filing, with possible extension of a term of 5 years. Industrial designs are filed under the Hague Agreement which governs the international registration of industrial designs and allows protection in multiple countries or regions with minimal formalities. Egypt is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property).
Types of Designs:
- Industrial Designs