Transition to E-filing – CIPA closure
In a public notice, the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority of Botswana (CIPA), announced that the online, e-Filing, system will launch in June 2024.
In preparation for the launch, CIPA announced the closure of its offices from 3 June 2024 until 14 June 2024 and that it would not accept any paper documents or electronic filings and payments for all applications for IP rights during this time.
All applications received prior to the office closure will be processed on the re-opening of CIPA’s offices. It was stated that applications with due dates or priority dates would not be prejudiced by this closure. In terms of Regulation 63 of the Industrial Property Regulations of 2012, all applications filed during the closure period will be considered as received on 17 June 2024, being the date CIPA re-opens.
Going forward CIPA will only accept online applications.
Source: Public notice issued by CIPA
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