Harare Protocol enters into force in the Republic of Mauritius
On 27 August 2025, the Harare Protocol on Patents, Utility Models and Industrial Designs officially entered into force in the Republic of Mauritius. This makes the Republic of Mauritius the 21st ARIPO Contracting State to the Protocol.
As a result, applicants making use of the ARIPO system can now designate Mauritius in their patent, industrial design and utility model filings. Furthermore, nationals and residents of Mauritius are now also able to file patent, industrial design and utility model applications directly with the ARIPO office.
Mauritius deposited its instrument of Accession to the Harare Protocol with the Director General of ARIPO, Mr Bemanya Twebaze, on 27 May 2025. This accession by Mauritius means that all the ARIPO Member states are now parties to the Harare Protocol, with Somalia being the sole exception.
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