Introduction of OAPI LEX – a jurisprudence database
June saw two historic occasions for OAPI and its member countries, with the first ever international festival of the Penja Pepper and the launch of OAPILEX- an online jurisprudence database specific to OAPI.
Important Topics
Introduction of OAPI LEX – a jurisprudence database
On 26 June 2025, the OAPI Commission officially launched its first ever online jurisprudence database, OAPILEX.
This online database provides centralised access to OAPI opposition decisions, IP- related case law and national intellectual property laws from the seventeen OAPI member countries. The platform also includes quick-access links to several key research and documentation platforms, including WIPO Lex, OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa), AFRIPI (Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa), and RAMPI (Network of Intellectual Property Magistrates).
The historic occasion was marked with a ceremony attended by the Deputy Director of OAPI, Professor Joseph Fomeute of the Juridaf Cabinet and architect of the platform, Max Lambert Ndema, the President of the African Network of Intellectual Property Magistrates and various professionals in the IP industry.
Côte d’Ivoire advances protection and recognition of its shea butter
Côte d’Ivoire is taking further steps to enhance the recognition and commercial value of its shea butter. On 27 August 2026, the National Committee for Geographical Indications and Collective Marks...
September 15 2026
OAPI rejects AFP opposition against AFO + Logo
In a decision dated 19 May 2026, OAPI rejected Agence France-Presse (AFP)’s opposition against the “AFO + Logo” mark, which was opposed on the basis of AFP’s earlier “AFP + Logo” mark. Alt...
September 15 2026
Historic Registration: Madd de Casamance and Penja Pepper Enter the Lisbon System
On 20 August 2026, Senegal’s Madd from Casamance and Cameroon’s Penja Pepper received their international registration certificates at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organizat...
September 15 2026