Morocco
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property in Morocco
Smit & Van Wyk assists with the protection of Intellectual Property in Morocco, 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.
Morocco patents have a duration of 20 years from date of filing. Annual renewal fees are payable from the third anniversary of the filing date (due after grant). Morocco is a member of the PCT and the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property). It is possible to validate European patents in Morocco.
Types of Patents:
- Patents of Invention
- National Phase PCT Application
- Validation of European patents
Methods of medical diagnosis, treatment or surgery are not patentable.
Morocco trade marks are valid for 10 years from the filing date and are renewable every 10 years thereafter. Morocco 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. Multi-class applications are possible.
Industrial Designs
Morocco designs have an initial term of 5 years from date of filing, with possible extensions of 2 further terms of 5 years each. 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. Morocco is a member of the Paris Convention (International treaty for the protection of Industrial Property).
Types of Designs:
- Industrial Designs