Ethiopia joins Paris Convention
We have previously written about Ethiopia’s accession to the Paris Convention. Now the next step, deposit by the government of Ethiopia of its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention, has been announced. Ethiopia will now formally become a member of the Paris Union on August 15, 2025. While we previously discussed the benefits to trade mark applicants, there are benefits for patent applicants as well, the most pertinent of which is that they will be able to file a complete patent application in Ethiopia for up to a year after filing their provisional application in another Paris Convention country, with the priority date of the application being retained from the provisional. This will make it more attractive to file patent applications in Ethiopia.
ARIPO advances Digital IP Services in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone recently hosted an ARIPO Online Services Sensitisation Workshop aimed at increasing awareness and adoption of digital intellectual property services. The workshop, organised in collaborat...
July 16 2026
OAPI strengthens international cooperation at Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO, 2026
The African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and fostering innovation across its 17 member states during the 68th Seri...
July 16 2026
Kenyan High Court strikes down directive affecting intellectual property administration
In a landmark judgment delivered on 29 June 2026, the Kenyan High Court has nullified the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry’s directive of 30 September 2025, which sought to require Ke...
July 16 2026

