PATENTS AND DESIGNS REGISTRY TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2024
On 2 December 2024, the Patents and Designs Registry announced that its filing platform would be temporarily unavailable due to ongoing data updates. During this time, users could not access the platform for services. Once the updates were completed, applicants could request backdating of their applications to reflect priority dates. The Registry apologised for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their patience. The platform is now back in service.
Niger accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty
The Republic of Niger, a member state of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), has acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, V...
August 19 2026
OAPI highlights IP’s role in African craft innovation
At the Ninth International Handicrafts Fair of Cameroon (SIARC 2026), held in Yaoundé from 27 July to 5 August, the OAPI showcased the importance of IP protection in promoting innovation and competit...
August 19 2026
Côte d’Ivoire hosts fourth Africa GI training programme
OAPI has launched the fourth edition of the Africa GI Training programme in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together 18 participants from 13 member states. The programme aims to strengthen experti...
August 19 2026