Ethiopia
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property in Ethiopia
Smit & Van Wyk assists with the protection of Intellectual Property in Ethiopia, 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.
Patents
Ethiopia patents of invention have a duration of 15 years from the date of filing but can be extended by a further 5 years if the invention is properly worked. A patent of Importation/Introduction expires when the patent off which it is based expires (maximum term of 10 years). Ethiopia is not a member of any international or regional organisations however, priority can be claimed from a foreign application filed within the last 12 months. A patent of Importation/Introduction can be filed based on a foreign granted patent
Types of Patents:
- Patents of Invention
- Patents of Importation/Introduction
Methods of medical diagnosis, treatment or surgery are not patentable.
Trade Marks
Ethiopia trade marks have a duration of 7 years from the filing date and are renewable for further periods of 7 years. Ethiopia is not a member of any international or regional organisations.
Types of Trade Marks:
- Standard marks
- Collective marks
- Series marks
The most current edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services is followed. Multi-class applications are possible.
Ethiopia designs have an initial term of 5 years from the date of filing, with possible extensions of 2 further terms of 5 years each. Ethiopia is not a member of any international or regional organisations however, priority can be claimed from a foreign application filed within the last 6 months.
Types of Designs:
- Industrial Designs